Photo taken by the lander of the Chang'e-4 probe on Jan. 11, 2019 shows the rover Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2). (Xinhua/China National Space Administration)
BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has signed cooperation documents with the space agencies of Pakistan and Belarus respectively for joint work on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program.
The new cooperation effort marks the start of participation by Pakistan and Belarus in the ILRS program, said the CNSA. The program was initiated by China, with an invitation extended to organizations and scientists around the world to participate.
In the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the CNSA and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, the two sides will carry out extensive and in-depth cooperation and set up expert groups in the areas of demonstration, engineering implementation, operation and application of the ILRS.
The joint statement inked by the CNSA and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus said the two sides will carry out extensive and in-depth cooperation on the construction and operation of the ILRS, including the application of space technology, new materials and electronic components, and the education and training of researchers and specialists.
China has a long history of cooperation with both countries in the space field, said the CNSA.
The building of the ILRS is expected to be carried out in three phases, with a basic model of the station expected to be completed by around 2030. ■
