| This article is a stub, and may need more information. You can help Space Wiki by expanding it. |
|---|
The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) is a planned base on the moon.[1] It was jointly initiated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the Russian State Corporation for Space Activities (Roscosmos) in March 2021.[2]
Scientific Objectives[]
The ILRS' primary objectives are to advance research and innovation,[1] with a focus on studying geological structures, analyzing internal structures, investigating chemistry, pioneering in-situ resource utilization, conducting lunar-based astronomical and Earth observations, conducting biological and medical experiments, and testing technologies.[2]
Planned Development[]
The ILRS is planned to consist of a lunar-orbiting space station and a surface-based moon base.[1] The construction of ILRS is set to be carried out in three phases: Reconnaissance, Construction, Utilization.[2]
The reconnaissance phase focuses on conducting lunar reconnaissance, finalizing the ILRS design, selecting potential ILRS sites, and verifying technologies to achieve secure high-precision soft landings.[2] These objectives will be achieved through preplanned missions, including China's Chang'e 4, Chang'e 6, and Chang'e 7 missions, as well as Russia's Luna 25, Luna 26, and Luna 27 expeditions. Additional contributions may come from potential missions by other international partners.[2]
The construction phase will aim to verify command-center technologies, enable sample-return and massive-cargo landings, and launch joint operations, supported by China's Chang'e 8, Russia's Luna 28, and potential future partner missions.[2] The comprehensive establishment of the ILRS will establish in-orbit and surface infrastructure for energy production, communications, and transportation while advancing research, exploration and verification of in-situ resource utilization and other collaborative technologies.[2]
The utilization phase will prioritize lunar research, technology verification, and supporting crewed lunar landings using its completed infrastructure.[2] Additionally, the ILRS will ensure operational sustainability through modular expansion and ongoing maintenance to adapt to evolving mission needs.[2]
The ILRS infrastructure will include Earth-Moon transit systems, surface command hubs, mobility platforms, scientific labs, and ground-based data centers to enable a sustained lunar exploration.[2]
International Cooperation[]
In March 2021, China and Russia signed an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding.[1] This agreement marked the formal public introduction of the ILRS concept as a joint initiative between the two nations. CNSA and Roscosmos have repeatedly highlighted their commitment to fostering international cooperation for the peaceful use of the Moon in the interest of all mankind.[2]
In July 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding between the China National Space Administration and the Bolivarian Space Agency was signed, making Venezuela the first country to join the initiative.[3] In September 2023, CNSA and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, making it the first African country to join.[4] In October 2023, CNSA and Azerbaijan's space agency (Azercosmos) signed a joint statement on cooperation.[5] Also in October 2023, CNSA signed cooperation documents with the space agencies of Pakistan (SUPARCO)[6] and Belarus (BSA).[7] In December 2023, CNSA signed a cooperation agreement with the Egyptian Space Agency (EGSA), making it the first Arab country to join.[8]
In April 2024, CNSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).[9] Also in April 2024, Nicaragua joined the initiative.[10] In May 2024, CNSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Serbia's Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation.[11] In July 2024, Kazakhstan joined the initiative.[12] In September 2024, Senegal's space agency signed an agreement on cooperation.[13]
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | June 2021 | Founding member |
| Russia | June 2021 | Founding member |
| Venezuela | July 2023 | |
| South Africa | September 2023 | |
| Azerbaijan | October 2023 | |
| Pakistan | October 2023 | |
| Belarus | October 2023 | |
| Egypt | December 2023 | |
| Thailand | April 2024 | |
| Nicaragua | April 2024 | |
| Serbia | May 2024 | |
| Kazakhstan | July 2024 | |
| Senegal | September 2024 |
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6811380/content.html
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6812150/content.html
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/venezuela-signs-up-to-chinas-moon-base-initiative/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/south-africa-joins-chinas-moon-base-project/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/azerbaijan-signs-up-to-chinas-international-moon-base-project/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/pakistan-becomes-latest-country-to-join-chinas-ilrs-moon-project/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/china-adds-belarus-as-partner-for-ilrs-moon-base/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/egypt-joins-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-initiative/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/thailand-joins-china-led-ilrs-moon-base-initiative/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/nicaragua-signs-up-to-chinas-ilrs-moon-program/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/serbia-becomes-latest-country-to-join-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/kazakhstan-joins-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-program/
- ↑ https://spacenews.com/senegal-among-new-members-of-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/