Russia has announced the chosen location for its upcoming lunar research rover, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s Moon exploration plans.
Officials from Roscosmos say this site is one of the most promising areas for future lunar infrastructure, offering both scientific value and potential for human activity.
Deputy Director of the Department of Space Systems at Roscosmos, Denis Kutovoy, explained that the rover’s operations will be confined to this preselected zone.
“The research rover will move within an already chosen area on the Moon, which is the most interesting from the standpoint of creating a lunar base.
It will operate there and study the lunar soil,” he said.
Unlocking the Moon’s Secrets
The mission will primarily focus on analyzing the lunar surface in detail.
Researchers aim to study the regolith, investigate geological formations, and assess environmental conditions that are crucial for both robotic and future human missions.
Every scoop of soil and rock sample could help engineers and scientists plan sustainable activities on the Moon.
Seven Lunar Missions on the Horizon
Russia’s plans for the Moon stretch far beyond a single rover.
Lev Zeleny, scientific director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, revealed back in September that the country intends to launch seven lunar spacecraft by 2036.
These missions will range from orbiters to landers and surface rovers, creating a layered approach to exploring the Moon.
This multi-pronged strategy reflects Russia’s ambition to not just visit the Moon but to understand it comprehensively—setting the stage for future bases and long-term research.
Funding Secured to Drive Lunar Ambitions
The renewed lunar push is backed by official funding, which begins in 2025.
Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, confirmed that the government has formally approved financial support for the program.
This investment signals a shift toward a more sustained presence in space, with the Moon becoming a central focus.
Laying the Foundation for a Lunar Presence
With a confirmed rover site, government funding in place, and a roadmap for multiple missions, Russia is clearly setting its sights on the Moon for the long term.
Each step—whether scouting a site, analyzing soil, or planning orbital missions—brings the vision of a Russian lunar base closer to reality.
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