The lunar research station, which China and Russia will jointly build, is open to international partners interested in the venture, said a joint declaration by the two countries released on Friday.
China, Russia welcome intl cooperation for joint lunar research station construction : The joint declaration on the co-operated construction of the International Scientific Lunar Station (ISLS) emphasized that the ISLS is open to all countries, international organizations and partners interested in cooperation in the planning, justification, design, development, implementation and operation of the ISLS.
Both “material and non-material contribution of international partners to cooperation in the field of the creation of the ISLS in any aspect of the mission at every stage” are welcomed, read the document, saying that will be “mutually beneficial for all participants.”
Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), said the ISLS will be another contribution made by the two countries to promote the sustainable development of UN outer space activities on a long-term basis.
It also showcases the confidence and determination of China and Russia to cooperate in the lunar and deep space exploration, said the CNSA.
“Russia and China traditionally strive to develop cooperation in the field of space technologies, space science and the use of outer space,” said Russia’s space agency Roscosmos.
Both countries confirmed their cooperation on building the ISLS in July 2020.
The joint declaration came after a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries in early March.
As scheduled, the two countries will release a roadmap for implementing the ISLS and the procedures for other interested countries or international organizations to take part.
Originally published at Cgtn