STAR CITY (Moscow region), November 15. The first Russian cosmonaut may land on the Moon in the next decade, said Vladimir Solovyov, general designer for manned space systems and complexes of RSC Energia.
At the “Manned Space Flights” conference, he presented a roadmap according to which, from 2031 to 2040, it is planned to create lunar base modules and a manned lunar rover, as well as the first landing of Russian cosmonauts on the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite.
At this time, “the start of manned expeditions, securing priority, geological research” are planned.
As stated in the roadmap, from 2041 to 2050, the construction of a lunar base, the creation of equipment for drilling and excavation, experimental mining and production complexes, as well as an astrophysical observatory are expected. This is necessary for the extraction and use of oxygen on the Moon, astrophysical and medical-biological research, and development of production technologies from lunar resources.
After 2050, the resources of the Moon can already be used for deep space exploration. Complexes for the production and storage of fuel, orbital assembly and refueling facilities, as well as a complex for the extraction of rare resources should appear.
Until 2030, the Russian rocket and space industry, according to the road map, will be busy sending automatic stations to the Moon, as well as processing transport system, including a super-heavy rocket, takeoff and landing and cargo landing craft.