[1] Luna 10 conducted extensive research in lunar orbit, gathering important data on the strength of the Moon's magnetic field,[2] its radiation belts, and the nature of lunar rocks (which were found to be comparable to terrestrial basalt rocks),[3] cosmic radiation, and micrometeoroid density.

Scientific instruments included a gamma-ray spectrometer for energies between 0.3–3 MeV (50–500 pJ),[3] a triaxial magnetometer, a meteorite detector, instruments for solar-plasma studies, and devices for measuring infrared emissions from the Moon and radiation conditions of the lunar environment.

[9] A 245-kilogram[8] instrument compartment separated from the main bus, which was in a 218 x 621 mile orbit inclined at 71.9° to the lunar equator.

[4] Luna 10 operated for 460 lunar orbits and performed 219 active data transmissions before radio signals were discontinued on 30 May 1966.

[4] The spacecraft carried a set of solid-state oscillators that had been programmed to reproduce the notes of "The Internationale", so that it could be broadcast live to the 23rd Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.