Shooting for the Moon: Russia & China Join Forces in Space
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Russia’s Roscosmos and China’s National Space Administration signed a government-backed memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the International Lunar Research Station in March 2021, announcing that the first lunar mission was scheduled for 2026.
On Space Day, celebrated in China on April 24, let’s explore the key milestones of Russia–China space cooperation.
Nuclear Power on the Moon
China could install a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it plans to build with Russia, according to a presentation by Pei Zhaoyu, Chief Engineer of the Chang’e-8 mission set for 2028.
China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The Chang’e-8 mission to the lunar south pole will lay the groundwork for constructing a permanent manned base, says the China National Space Administration.
Li Hongzhong of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development met with Russian counterpart Boris Titov on April 24 to underscore readiness to boost cooperation between the sides, with Titov echoing the sentiment.
Screenshot of blueprint for China lunar mission (Photo CCTV.).
© Photo : CCTV
Resources & Robotics
Russian Space Agency Roscosmos also presented plans at the Shanghai conference to explore mineral and water resources on the Moon, including potentially using lunar materials as fuel.
Between 2033 and 2035, Russia and China plan to deploy a joint nuclear power plant on the Moon to power the ILRS, addressing the lack of solar energy during the Moon's 14-day nights, Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov told Sputnik last year.
By April 2025, 17 countries and organizations have joined the Russo-Chinese ILRS project. China aims to expand this to 50 partners, focusing on BRICS and Global South nations.
🇷🇺🌓🇨🇳Russian-Chinese lunar nuclear power plant will combine countries’ scientific strong suits
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 8, 2024
Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov revealed to Sputnik on Wednesday that work is underway on a Russian-Chinese lunar NPP expected to be delivered to the Moon in the 2030s.
Cooperation of… pic.twitter.com/FK9ioHngZ2
Step-by-Step Moon Base Plan
In 2022, Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) outlined a plan for 2023-2027 to build the International Scientific Lunar Station in three stages by the 2030s:
Joint Russo-Chinese missions will scout the Moon, identify the best location for the base, test high-precision soft landing technologies and collect rock samples.
Construction of orbital power and communication hubs, bulk cargo drops and the use of smart tech, mini rovers and even a hopping robot for lunar logistics.
Expanded surface exploration, station modules supporting deeper scientific research, tech tests and ultimately—human exploration.
🇷🇺🇨🇳🚀 What you need to know about Russia-China space program?
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) March 6, 2024
Russian Space Agency Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) signed a cooperation agreement in 2022, spanning 2023-2027. It includes a plan to build an International Scientific Lunar Station in… pic.twitter.com/6zMdRrh4Ww
Russia and China have capital-intensive but "very interesting and very promising" projects to explore the Moon together, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with students and professors of Harbin University of Science and Technology in May, 2024, during his visit to China.
15 April 2024, 18:00 GMT
