Russia's moon mission to be extended till 2040

The Press Service of the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos on Wednesday said that Russia's Moon exploration program will be implemented in several stages by 2040.

Roscosmos head, Dmitry Rogozin had earlier told media at a press conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS) that a woman might head the next moon mission.

"We don't have a gendered approach. We want professionalism... I do not rule out anything. It is very likely that a woman will head the mission [to the Moon]," he said.

The Russian Academy of Sciences' (RAS) Council earlier held a session with Roscosmos head Rogozin and RAS President Alexander Sergeyev to discuss the Moon exploration program. "The goal of Moon exploration programs is to protect national interests on the new space frontier. The humanity's interest in Moon exploration is first of all linked with the fact that unique areas were found there that have favorable conditions for building lunar bases. The Moon exploration program will be implemented in several stages by 2040," the press service said.

Sergeyev noted the importance of exploring the Moon. "The issues of Moon exploration are on top of the agenda for today's session of the Council on Space Research. We understand that our resources are limited and that the geopolitical situation does not facilitate attracting more resources. This is why it is very important to choose the right strategy," he said.

Sergeyev said there are different opinions on what is the best moving forces - projects that may bring people people and the scientific community together, or something groundbreaking from the scientific point of view. "The Moon can become a very important project that includes both," he noted.

It was earlier reported that Russian cosmonauts will for the first time touch the Moon's surface after 2030. Their mission will last 14 days.