The General Director of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, has announced that Russia and China are pressing ahead with plans to build an International Lunar Research Station, and have extended an invitation to Iranian scientists and engineers to join the project. This is reported by IRNA, a partner of TV BRICS.

Bakanov noted that leading space powers are currently preparing for large-scale exploration of the Moon. He added that 13 countries have already signed on to the Russian-Chinese lunar base initiative, which aims to create a long-term scientific presence on the Moon as a stepping stone for deeper space missions.

He also highlighted Russia’s current efforts to develop a new orbital space station, welcoming international partners, including Iran, to participate on equal terms in equipment development and onboard experiments.

Expressing optimism for stronger space ties between Tehran and Moscow, Bakanov confirmed that discussions with the Iranian Space Agency are already underway. 

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