Putin ratifies plan to jointly build lunar base with China

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a plan to jointly build the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) with China. The ILRS will include sections on the lunar surface, lunar orbit, and Earth, built in two phases. The first phase aims to establish a basic station by 2035, with expansion completed by 2045. Twelve countries and international organizations have joined the initiative. The project follows Russia and China's 2021 agreement and involves ambitious lunar missions starting in 2026.