Roscosmos and CNSA Accelerate Joint Lunar Program with 15-Nation Alliance and New Subsurface Scanning Technology

Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov announces 2026 plans for a joint Russo-Chinese lunar program involving 15 nations and new subsurface scanning technology.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Roscosmos

The Strategic Evolution of the Russo-Chinese Lunar Partnership

The international race for lunar dominance has entered a new phase of technical cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. Addressing Russia's Federation Council on Wednesday, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov confirmed that the nation is significantly accelerating its lunar exploration schedule in direct partnership with the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This collaboration, which stems from a 2021 memorandum of understanding, aims to establish a permanent research station on the lunar surface. By pooling resources and engineering expertise, the two space powers intend to create a sustainable presence on the Moon that challenges the traditional hegemony of Western space agencies.

Innovative Subsurface Scanning and Internal Structural Analysis

A primary technical focus for 2026 involves the development of a new generation of sensors designed to peer beneath the lunar regolith. Bakanov stated that Russia will soon begin a comprehensive scan of the Moon, utilizing specialized tools to study its internal composition. This "lunar x-ray" capability is intended to provide unprecedented data on the Moon's geological history and potential resource deposits. By understanding the internal structure of the Moon, Roscosmos and its Chinese partners hope to identify the most stable locations for long-term habitats and industrial mining operations.

The Development of Next-Generation Sample Return Landers

Beyond remote scanning, the joint program is prioritizing the physical recovery of lunar material to enhance terrestrial research. Bakanov announced that the design of a sophisticated new lander is nearing completion, with the primary objective of collecting soil samples and transmitting high-fidelity data directly back to Earth. Unlike previous robotic missions, these 2026-era devices are being engineered for high-precision landings in more challenging lunar terrains. The integration of Chinese landing technology with Russian instrumentation represents a significant synergy in the project’s hardware development phase.