Russia and China have officially agreed to collaborate on the construction of a joint lunar station, as outlined in an agreement published on the Russian governmental portal. This ambitious project, known as the International Scientific Lunar Station (ISLS), will be developed in three stages, focusing on research, creation, and operations.
Three-Stage Plan:
- Research Stage: This initial phase involves extensive research and preparation for the subsequent stages.
- Creation Stage:
- Establishing a control center.
- Delivering bulk cargo.
- Achieving a safe, high-precision soft landing on the Moon’s surface.
- Commencing joint operations on the lunar surface.
- Operation Stage:
- Conducting lunar study and exploration.
- Verifying technologies necessary for sustained lunar presence.
- Assisting international partners with lunar landings using the completed ISLS infrastructure.
- Potentially landing humans on the Moon.
Five Joint Missions:
Russia and China plan to launch five joint missions aimed at deploying modules in both lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface. These missions will lay the groundwork for the establishment and operation of the ISLS.
Invitation to International Partners:
The agreement invites international partners to participate in the construction and operation of the lunar station. Russia’s Roscosmos State Corporation and China’s National Space Administration will each sign separate bilateral agreements with interested international entities.
Agreement Details:
- Duration: The agreement is set for an initial period of 20 years.
- Extension: It will be automatically extended for additional five-year periods unless either party notifies the other of its intention to terminate the agreement at least one year before the end of the current period.
This collaboration marks a significant step in international space exploration, with Russia and China leading efforts to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon. The project aims to advance lunar research and technology, potentially paving the way for further international cooperation in space exploration.
