Russia, China plan 5 joint missions to Moon for creation of research station - agreement

MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax) - Russia and China plan five joint missions for the placement of modules on the orbit and surface of the Moon as part of the creation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), according to an intergovernmental agreement published on the official site for publication of legal information on Thursday.

The creation of the ILRS is expected to take place in three phases, the document said. The first phase envisages the research of the Moon using planned national missions and practicing the technology of safe soft landing on the Moon surface. In the second phase, the parties will begin joint operations - delivery of cargo and creation of modules on the Moon orbit and surface.

"A total of five missions are planned (ILRS 1 to ILRS 5), which will be determined after the relevant authorities develop and approve further substantiation," the report said.

According to the document, the landing of a human on the Moon "using the completed ILRS" is expected to take place in the third phase.

International partners are invited to participate in the creation of the lunar station, the document said. The state corporation Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration will sign separate bilateral agreements with international partners.

"This agreement is valid for 20 years. It is automatically prolonged for the next five-year periods if none of the parties notifies the other party in writing via diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate this agreement at least one year before the initial expiration date or expiration of any other period," the document said.

The agreement took effect on July 18, 2024. It was signed on November 25, 2022.

Roscosmos head Yury Borisov said on March 3 Russia and China were planning to deploy a nuclear power unit on the Moon in 2033-2035.

Roscosmos Deputy General Director for Advanced Programs and Science Alexander Bloshenko told Interfax on June 5 Russia was ready to independently design a lunar nuclear power plant for the Russian-Chinese project of an international lunar research station, and partners would able to use generated power for station modules and robotic systems.