Russia Invites Iran to Join Lunar Research Station Project
WANA (Oct 04) – The head of Russia’s space agency has announced the launch of a new international lunar research station project, with 13 countries already on board, expressing interest in involving Iranian engineers and scientists in future collaborations.
Dmitry Rogozin (Bakhanov), Director General of Roscosmos, delivered a video message during the opening ceremony of World Space Week at Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology on Friday. He recalled that this annual event begins on October 4 — the day in 1957 when Soviet scientists and engineers launched the first artificial satellite, marking the dawn of the space age.
“This year’s World Space Week is dedicated to life beyond our planet,” he said. “Russia takes pride in its achievements in human spaceflight and in ensuring human survival in the vacuum of outer space.”
Bakhanov highlighted Russia’s pioneering role in space exploration, noting: “We were the first to send a human beyond Earth, to launch a spacecraft with a female astronaut, to conduct a spacewalk, to dock two spacecraft, and to learn how to build and operate orbital stations.”
Dmitry Rogozin (Bakhanov), Director General of Roscosmos. Social Media / WANA News Agency
He emphasized that space exploration is “an extremely complex and costly scientific endeavor” that cannot advance without close international cooperation. As an example, he cited the International Space Station (ISS), a symbol of global partnership where crews from various nations have worked together continuously for 25 years.
“Humanity will continue to utilize low Earth orbit,” he said, mentioning that alongside the ISS, “our Chinese colleagues are permanently operating their Tiangong station, while India and the United States are pursuing their own plans for future orbital facilities.”
Bakhanov noted that Russia is currently developing a new Russian orbital station and stands ready to welcome international partners: “We are prepared to offer equal conditions for all participants, both in terms of hardware modules and conducting experiments in orbit.”
He added, “We would be pleased to see our Iranian friends join this project. Preliminary discussions have already begun with the Iranian Space Agency.”
Iran Prepares Chabahar Spaceport for First Solid-Fuel Launch
WANA (Oct 04) – The head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) has announced that preparations are underway for the first solid-fuel launch from the Chabahar National Spaceport, while also revealing new details about upcoming satellite launches and international collaborations. Speaking at the inauguration of World Space Week 2025 under the theme “Living in […]
According to Bakhanov, the new orbital station will also support the development of interplanetary systems for transporting crewed spacecraft and lunar landing and ascent modules.
He explained that leading space powers — including Russia, the United States, China, India, and others — are already preparing for full-scale lunar exploration. “Russia and China, recognizing the complexity and significance of this mission, have jointly launched the creation of an International Lunar Research Station, with 13 nations participating so far,” he said.
“The Moon represents the first step beyond low Earth orbit,” Bakhanov added. “Concepts for future human missions to Mars are already being developed, requiring solutions to numerous technical challenges — challenges that scientists and engineers around the world, including those from Iran, can help address.”
He concluded by expressing hope that countries will continue to cooperate effectively to advance the peaceful exploration of space.
