Russian, Chinese space agencies agree to integrate Russian research device into Chinese Chang'e 7 spacecraft

MOSCOW. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration have signed a memorandum on integrating Russia's lunar dust monitoring device into China's Chang'e 7 spacecraft, according to documents signed on the sidelines of Russian President Vladimir Putin's official visit to China.

"A memorandum of understanding between the Roscosmos State Space Corporation and the China National Space Administration on cooperating in the integration of the Russian lunar dust monitoring device into the Chinese Chang'e 7 spacecraft," a list of documents published on the Kremlin website said.

In June 2021, Russia and China presented a roadmap for construction of a joint lunar base. In March 2021, they signed an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding to build an international lunar research station. The sides are planning five joint missions to deploy the station's modules in orbit and on the Moon.

On March 3, 2024, then Roscosmos head Yury Borisov said Russia and China were planning to bring a nuclear power unit to the Moon in 2033-2035. In April 2023, he said the Zevs nuclear tug might be used in the Russian-Chinese lunar program, and in October that year he said Russia was planning to explore the Moon together with China after launching the Luna 26 and Luna 27 spacecraft.

In December 2023, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said China's Chang'e 7 spacecraft will be carrying Russian lunar research equipment. It said the mission was scheduled for 2026.

On April 25, the Russian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute said two of its research devices had been chosen for China's Chang'e 8 mission due in 2029.