Russia and China Just Agreed to Build a Research Station on the Moon Together
It’s unclear when the lunar outpost will be built.
By Mike Wall | SPACE.com Senior Space Writer

March 10, 2021 | Leaders of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Roscosmos, Russia’s federal space agency, signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday (March 9) on the construction of a moon outpost called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

This artist’s impression released by the European Space Agency (ESA) shows what a multi-dome lunar base on the moon could look like – scientists say the goal is feasible. (Image Credit: Mirror.co.uk)

“The ILRS is a comprehensive scientific experiment base with the capability of long-term autonomous operation, built on the lunar surface and/or [in] lunar orbit that will carry out multi-disciplinary and multi-objective scientific research activities such as lunar exploration and utilization, lunar-based observation, basic scientific experiment[s] and technical verification,” CNSA officials wrote in an announcement Tuesday.

CNSA and Roscosmos will “facilitate extensive cooperation in the ILRS, open to all interested countries and international partners, strengthen scientific research exchanges, and promote humanity’s exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purpose[s],” officials added.