Roscosmos Proposes Moon and Asteroid Resource Development as Key State Policy After 2036
Quick Look
- Roscosmos has proposed a draft presidential decree outlining Russia's space policy, including the exploration and development of Moon and asteroid resources as a key project after 2036.
- Plans by 2036 involve lunar exploration, a nuclear power plant on the Moon, new launch vehicles, and expanded satellite constellations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Roscosmos has proposed a draft presidential decree outlining the fundamentals of Russia's state policy in space activities and the use of its results through 2036 and beyond. This policy aims to concentrate resources on key areas ensuring technological leadership, sovereignty, security, and long-term development.
The implementation of state policy in the field of space activities includes the concentration of resources on key areas and projects that ensure technological leadership, technological sovereignty, security, economic efficiency, and the long-term development of the Russian Federation, which include: <…> after 2036: <…> the exploration and development of resources on the Moon and asteroids," the draft presidential decree "On the Fundamentals of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Space Activities and the Use of Its Results Through 2036 and Beyond" said.
Among the main projects through 2036, Roscosmos also proposes including the exploration of the Moon using automated spacecraft, the delivery of lunar soil samples to Earth, and the construction of a lunar nuclear power plant to provide energy for infrastructure on the Moon's surface. In addition, under the draft, Roscosmos plans by 2036 to develop new launch vehicles, including those based on reusable technologies, deploy a large low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation for broadband communications, and significantly increase the number of spacecraft in the Earth remote sensing constellation.
About Russia's lunar program
It was reported earlier that the launch of the Luna-28, Luna-29 and Luna-30 spacecraft for studying Earth's natural satellite could take place in 2032-2036. The nearest planned missions are Luna-26 and Luna-27. The former is intended to create a platform for studying the Moon from low orbit: the Luna-26 spacecraft is expected to operate for one year in a low lunar orbit (60-80 km) and for another two years in a higher orbit (150-200 km). In addition, it will be capable of relaying information from the Luna-27.1 and Luna-27.2 landing modules. The Luna-27 mission is intended to test technologies for high-precision and safe landings on Earth's natural satellite, as well as conduct research in the Moon's polar region.
In May 2025, Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration signed a memorandum on the construction of a power plant for the International Lunar Research Station. Roscosmos has said that the station will be used to conduct fundamental space research and test technologies for long-term unmanned operations, with the prospect of a human presence on the Moon.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The exploration and development of resources on the Moon and asteroids will become a key project of Russian state policy in the rocket and space industry after 2036.
Possible · Within years
Roscosmos will develop new launch vehicles, deploy a large low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation, and increase Earth remote sensing spacecraft by 2036.
Likely · Medium term
Open Questions
- What is the estimated budget for these long-term space projects?
- What are the specific technological challenges for a lunar nuclear power plant?
- What are the detailed timelines for Luna-28, Luna-29, and Luna-30 missions?
