Two follow-ups to Luna 3 in April 1960 failed due to launch vehicle malfunctions, but program planners promised Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev further "space firsts", including missions to Mars and Venus.

It also included a fourth stage, the Blok L, which would be fired in a parking orbit and allow a more accurate trajectory than the direct ascent of the Luna missions.

Due to the numerous problems, it was impossible to launch during the optimal period of the Mars window in late September.

The camera and another instrument designed to test for the presence of life on Mars were removed due to malfunctions and weight limitations.

Following this issue, the horizon sensor disconnected from the booster and the rocket descended from its normal flight path angle.