China, Russia reveal joint plan for lunar space station

China and Russia announced earlier this week that they had partnered to build a lunar research station.

Roscosmos said the International Scientific Lunar Station (ILRS) would carry out "multidisciplinary and multipurpose research work, including the exploration and use of the Moon, lunar observations, fundamental research experiments and technology verification with the possibility of long-term unmanned operation with the prospect of a human presence on the moon." In its own release, CNSA explained that the space agencies would "adhere to the principle of 'co-consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits" and that the ILRS would be open to all interested countries and international partners.