KATHMANDU, MARCH 10

China and Russia are collaborating to construct an International Lunar Research Station, possibly on lunar surface or the lunar orbit.

Issuing individual statements, the two countries shared that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding cooperation for the construction of the station.

China National Space Administration (CNSA) shared on March 9 that Zhang Kejian, the administrator of CNSA, and Rogozin, the General Manager of State Space Corporation 'Roscosmos' (ROSCOSMOS) signed the MoU between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Russian Federation regarding cooperation for the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

As per China's statement, the ILRS would be open to all interested countries. The endeavor looks to strengthen scientific research exchanges and to promote humanity's exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

The ILRS is said to be established as a comprehensive scientific experiment base with the capability of long-term autonomous operation and will carry out multi-disciplinary and multi-objective scientific research activities such as lunar exploration and utilization, lunar-based observation, basic scientific experiment and technical verification.