Russia Plans To Build A Space Station On The Moon With China, Open To All Countries

Ilustrasi bulan. (Unsplash / Guzmán Barquín)

JAKARTA - Russian space agency Roscosmos said it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop research facilities on the lunar surface, in orbit, or both.

The signing of this agreement comes ahead of the virtual commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Russia's first manned space flight.

Roscosmos was represented by the Head of the Roscosmos Agency, Dmitry Rogozin, while CNSA was represented by CNSA Director Zhang Keijian

In a joint statement, Rascosmos and CNSA said the International Scientific Station on the Moon would carry out various scientific studies, including carrying out lunar exploration and utilization.

"China and Russia will use their accumulated experience in space science, research and development, and use of space equipment and space technology to jointly develop a road map for the construction of an international lunar scientific research station", the statement said, cited from BBC.

The statement also said Russia and China would cooperate in the planning, design, development, and operation of the research station.

"Roscosmos and CNSA will contribute in creating a research station on the moon that is open to all countries", said Roscosmos as published by TASS.

China is a country that is relatively late-developing in the world of space exploration. But last December, the Chang'e-5 probe managed to bring back the rocks and soil it had taken from the moon. This is said to be a demonstration of China's increase in the space sector.

Russia, which pioneered space exploration, has been outperformed by China and the United States (US) in recent years. Last year they lost their monopoly on getting astronauts to the International Space station, following the successful launch of SpaceX.

The US has announced plans to return to the moon by 2024. A program called Artemis targets landings by men and women, after 1972.