How Russia (yes, Russia) is planning to land cosmonauts on the Moon by 2030



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Last Thursday, the head of the Russian State Space Society, Dmitry Rogozin, gave a large lecture at the Moscow University. The speech aimed to describe the activities currently taking place in Roscosmos and what could happen in the future, including a possible lunar landing.

Rogozin largely addressed his comments to university students and sought to paint a picture of a dynamic national space company. This is likely to enhance the opportunity for a career in space, as young people have started careers in aerospace in smaller numbers. Reports of low salaries, low morale and lack of funds to even dispose of waste from Roscosmos facilities have not contributed to this trend.

The Russian plan

Via Robinson Mitchell, Ars obtained a copy of the slide set used by Rogozine for his speech and a translation of its contents (the key slides are presented above). It is particularly interesting that the talk focuses on an independent lunar landing featuring cosmonauts from here to 2030. At first glance, which is probably not wise, given the great question of how Russia would finance such a venture: a Russian attempt to land humans on the moon In ten years, an extraordinary race would take place between this country, NASA's Artemis program and the lunar ambitions of China.

As part of the plan presented by Rogozin, the country will initially develop a new booster "Super Heavy" with a capacity of 103 tons in low Earth orbit and 27 tons in lunar polar orbit. This is roughly equivalent to an improved version of NASA's space launch system called Block 1B.

The plan includes the development of the "Federation" spacecraft by 2022, with its first flight to the International Space Station by 2023. Flights into the far space of this spacecraft would follow. in the mid-2020s, as well as a return of lunar soil to Earth. using the Luna-Grunt probe in 2027.

Finally, in 2029, lunar orbit crew flights would begin, as well as flight tests of a lunar lander and an inflatable module at the lunar base. The landing of the crew would be in 2030, although Rogozin said he would like to move those dates sooner if possible.

In terms of strategy, Rogozin said that he thought there was not much potential for the industrial use of the moon, a theme that was a key part of the plans American and commercial aims to send people back to the moon. One of the strategic reasons cited by Rogozin was the role of a lunar station in defense against comets and asteroids. (We do not know how it would work).

Rogozine doubting

The speech comes amid questions about Rogozin's future. Rumors are circulating about knowing he will soon be removed from office. Vadim Lukashevich, renowned analyst of the Russian aerospace industry, commented on the speech on his Facebook account.

Dmitry Rogozin, director of Roscosmos State Corporation, gives an open conference entitled
Enlarge / Dmitry Rogozin, director of the state-owned Roscosmos, is giving a public lecture entitled "Transformation of Roscosmos" at the Moscow State University on May 23rd.

Vladimir GerdoTASS via Getty Images

"The speech delivered yesterday by Dimitri Rogozin at the Moscow State University, judging by several internal sources, has overwhelmed the cup of patience," wrote Lukashevich. "Now everyone is talking about his impending resignation, including his subordinates (the latter being mostly curses), and very difficult times are waiting for our space program."

These difficulties may include a worrying trend in the failures of the Russian rocket, an uncertain future with its longstanding partnership with NASA, funding problems, and so on. For this reason, it is hard to imagine Russia launching an ambitious moon landing program, but as always, the progress (or lack of progress) of the country will deserve. to be followed.

Inscription image of Roscosmos

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