MOSCOW: Russia is poised to make a historic return to the Moon as it prepares to launch a lunar lander this week, marking the nation’s first lunar mission in nearly five decades. The eagerly anticipated launch is scheduled to take place in the early hours of Friday, signifying Russia’s renewed commitment to lunar exploration amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
The forthcoming launch of the Luna-25 lander represents a significant milestone for Russia, rekindling memories of its pioneering Soviet-era lunar program. Weighing approximately 800 kilograms and featuring a four-legged design, the Luna-25 aims to execute a soft landing in the region of the lunar south pole. This unique landing site diverges from the norm, as most lunar landings historically occurred near the lunar equator.
Russia Confirms Assembly of Soyuz Rocket
Russian space agency Roscosmos has confirmed the assembly of a Soyuz rocket at the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Russian Far East, where the launch is set to take place. The Luna-25 mission holds multifaceted objectives, including practicing soft landing techniques, collecting and analyzing soil samples, and embarking on extensive scientific research.
This ambitious lunar endeavor signals the initiation of Moscow’s new lunar program, coming at a time when Russia seeks to fortify its collaborative efforts in space with China amidst strained relations with the West. The mission arrives against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing Ukraine offensive, which has fueled diplomatic tensions and led to ruptured ties with Western partners.
ESA Distanced Itself Cooperation with Russia
It is worth noting that the European Space Agency (ESA) had previously distanced itself from cooperation with Russia on the upcoming Luna-25 launch, as well as subsequent 26 and 27 missions, in response to the events unfolding in Ukraine. Nonetheless, Russia remained steadfast in its lunar aspirations, affirming its intent to carry out lunar exploration and replace ESA equipment with domestically-produced scientific instruments.
President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s determination to advance its lunar program, invoking the nation’s history of overcoming challenges. Addressing the situation at the Vostochny cosmodrome, Putin reaffirmed that Russia’s lunar ambitions persisted despite external obstacles.
“As guided by the ambition of our ancestors to move forward, despite any difficulties and any attempts to prevent us in this movement from the outside,” Putin stated.
With the Luna-25 mission poised for liftoff, Russia stands on the cusp of a new era in lunar exploration, reasserting its role on the global space stage and rekindling memories of its past achievements in the cosmos.
