Russia and Europe plan to join hands to send people to settle on the Moon
The Russian and European space agencies will cooperate on a series of missions to create a permanent human base on the Moon.
| A base on the far side of the Moon could house a telescope that would help humans see the universe more clearly. Photo: Science Photo Library |
The first phase of the project, dubbed Luna 27, will be launched over the next five years, according to the Independent. Roscosmos, the Russian federal space agency, is leading the project, working with the European Space Agency (ESA), continuing Russia's 1970 lunar exploration program.
"The 21st century is the century when humans establish outposts to explore the universe," Professor Igor Mitrofanov, head of the Luna 27 project at the Space Research Institute in Moscow, said on October 16.
Bérengère Houdou, head of the lunar exploration team at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (Estec), agrees. He said that there have been many international discussions to discuss the possibility of returning to the Moon.
ESA is also developing a new lander and reinforced drill, hoping to use it to study the Moon’s ice. They believe the unexplored south pole, where parts of the Moon are permanently in shadow, contains ice – a vital resource for the future.
ESA’s plan for a partnership with Russia is under consideration by EU ministers, with a final decision expected by the end of next year. However, top members of both the Russian and EU space agencies have already voiced their support for the project.
According to VnExpress
