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Russia is elaborating an agreement with EU in the area of joint exploration of the Moon

Russian Aviaton » Thursday November 27, 2014 13:29 MSK

Scientists of Russia and EU are elaborating an agreement with EU in the area of joint exploration of the Moon, RIA Novosti reports with reference to Director of Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lev Zeleniy.

“There is an agreement in the network of ExoMars program and now we are elaborating an agreement with European Space Agency (ESA) related to joint exploration of the Moon. This work is official,” Zeleny said.

According to him, heads of Roscosmos (Federal Space Agency of Russia) and ESA confirmed that they are ready to fulfill agreements signed and also they are ready to sign new ones.

“A great number of contacts with EU scientists lasted since the Soviet era. Generations change, but friendship remains. Many experiments are carried out by Russian scientists using equipment provided by EU in the network of agreements reached,” Zeleny added.

It was reported earlier that exploration of Mars and Moon is the top-priority area of activity for Russia. In particular, landing on the Moon is scheduled for 2030. After that a manned space base having a test facilities intended for energy storage and remote energy transfer as well as testing of new engines will be established on the Moon. Development of a heavy launch vehicle with a payload of 80 tons required for the Moon mission is underway.

In spring 2012 ESA and Roscosmos agreed on joint implementation of ExoMars program. The project includes launch of Proton rocket equipped with TGO (Trace Gas Orbiter) intended for studying trace gases present in the Martian atmosphere and distribution of ice in the Martian soil. It will also deliver an EDM (ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module) to the surface of Mars. In 2018 a landing platform with a Mars exploration rover will be delivered to the planet. The vehicle’s goal is to carry out geological studies and seek signs of life near the landing area.

In early August Russian Research Supervisor of ExoMars project, Daniil Rodionov, said that Russia will not only provide launch vehicle and some instruments, but will also develop a landing module for ExoMars-2018 mission.