Russia's Lunar Ambitions: Delays and Future Plans

Russia has announced significant delays in its lunar exploration program, with the launches of Luna-28, Luna-29, and Luna-30 now postponed to between 2032 and 2036. This information was reported by Interfax, citing Sergei Chernyshev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The delays follow a series of setbacks, including the crash of the Luna-25 spacecraft in August 2023, which marked Russia's first lunar mission since the Soviet era. The Russian space agency, Roskosmos, views lunar exploration as crucial for national interests, particularly in developing the Moon's natural resources.

ReutersUnited24 Media

In conjunction with the delays, the Russian Academy of Sciences has proposed a plan to establish "sovereign territories" on the Moon. This initiative, termed "Space Science," aims to position Russia as a leading space power in lunar exploration. Chernyshev emphasized that the Moon program would enhance Russia's technological capabilities and knowledge in space research. The project is divided into two stages: the first focuses on mastering landing technologies and conducting research, while the second aims to construct lunar bases and develop technology for beyond-landing zone travel.

United24 MediaReuters

The budget for Russia's lunar project through 2036 is estimated at approximately 700 billion rubles (around $7.5 billion), with the broader "Space" national project budget totaling 4.4 trillion rubles (approximately $47.2 billion). Plans include the construction of a lunar power plant by 2036, developed in collaboration with Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute. This facility is intended to supply energy for lunar rovers, observatories, and the International Scientific Lunar Station, which is a joint effort with China.

United24 MediaReuters

Despite these ambitious plans, the proposal to claim lunar territories raises questions regarding international law, specifically the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. This treaty prohibits national appropriation of celestial bodies, including the Moon, by any means. Critics may argue that Russia's intentions could conflict with established international norms governing space exploration.

United24 Media

Roscosmos has reiterated its commitment to advancing its lunar program, despite recent setbacks. The agency has signed contracts for the development of lunar infrastructure, indicating a long-term vision for Russia's role in space exploration. The upcoming years will be critical as Russia seeks to regain its status in the space race, particularly in light of the recent successful Artemis II mission by NASA, which marked the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years.

Reuters

• “He stated that "the Moon program will allow Russia to remain among the leading space powers actively exploring the Moon.” — Sergei Chernyshev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

United24 Media

• “This facility is intended to provide energy for lunar rovers, an observatory, and the international station.” — Dmitry Bakanov, Head of Roscosmos.

United24 Media