New countries join international lunar station project
The station will include modules on the Moon’s surface and in lunar orbit
Seventeen countries and international organisations, along with more than 50 research institutions, have joined the project to establish the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This was announced by Deputy Director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), Bian Zhigang, during the ILRS Developers International Conference held in Shanghai.
According to Bian, whose remarks were reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS, modern lunar exploration is transitioning from short-term missions to the construction of long-term facilities, and from solo launches to international cooperation.
He emphasised that the ILRS will become a new platform for global scientific exchange, technological innovation, and inclusive collaboration.
Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China’s lunar programme, clarified that the station will consist of modules located both on the Moon’s surface and in lunar orbit. The project will be implemented in two stages: a basic model is expected to be operational by 2035 near the Moon’s south pole, with an expanded version planned for the 2040s. The missions Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 have already been incorporated into the project.
The ILRS will integrate lunar geological research, astronomical observations, studies of the space environment, and in-situ resource utilisation. According to Wang Chi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the station will conduct large-scale real-time observations.
Bian Zhigang noted that CNSA is guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and the peaceful use of outer space. China welcomes the participation of international partners at all stages of the project. The ILRS, he said, will contribute to the advancement of space exploration for the benefit of all humanity.
The space programmes of BRICS countries are developing steadily year by year. Earlier, TV BRICS partner CGTN reported that China intends to carry out a crewed lunar landing by 2030. Meanwhile, according to Iran Press, a partner of TV BRICS, Iran plans to launch six new satellites into orbit and continue work on its own crewed capsule. Ethiopia, as noted by another partner, Daily News Egypt, is planning to launch its third satellite by 2026.
Photo: iStock
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