Russia and China agreed on the joint exploration of the Moon, as a preview of the future Chinese Moon landing, scheduled to happen in 2023.
A Russian and Chinese joint data center to be created for the preparations of future lunar missions
The Russian space authority, Roscosmos, and the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) have signed an agreement of intent on cooperation in the exploration of the Moon and deep space at the ISEF space forum in Tokyo, according to reports released by the Russian space agency.
“The parties announced their readiness to study the possibilities of cooperation in the launching of the Russian lunar orbital mission Luna-Resurs-1 (Luna-26) in 2022, as well as in the Chinese mission that foresees landing at the south pole of the Moon in 2023,” according to the statement, quoted by the official Russian news agency, the RIA Novosti press agency.
In addition, the agreement, signed by the general director of Roscosmos, Igor Komarov, and the deputy director of the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA), Wu Yanhua, involves the creation of a joint data center on lunar projects and deep space, with the participation of scientific and industrial organizations of both countries.
The Russians have big plans regarding the Moon exploration
“Energia”, a Russian space-related enterprise, has already presented their plans, since last year, in October 2017. The company plans to construct a base on the Moon somewhen in between 2040 and 2050.
“Energia” corporation is also planning to inaugurate a scientific center for research and testing with the main goal of planning reliable Moon exploration programs.
Besides, “Energia” is also ready to offer support for the US-Russian joint program that implies the placement of an international space station on the Moon’s orbit, somewhen in between 2024 and 2026.
As expected, we are on the brink of a new space race but, besides the last one from the 60s and 70s, this one is much more of an international one and the new agreement between Russia and China for joint future space exploration missions tend to prove it.
In recent related news, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for international cooperation on a manned mission to the moon.
