Roscosmos’ spacecraft systems deputy director Kutovoi said Russia intends to build a permanent automated lunar base after 2036. Primary challenges are site selection and power supply. The agency is assembling a science-and-technology reserve and raising technical readiness, prioritizing development of nuclear thermal rocket engines and highly isolated life‑support systems. Kutovoi noted payload delivery to the Moon costs roughly 50 times per kg versus ISS orbit, making maximum autonomy and close

Roscosmos’ spacecraft systems deputy director Kutovoi said Russia intends to build a permanent automated lunar base after 2036. Primary challenges are site selection and power supply. The agency is assembling a science-and-technology reserve and raising technical readiness, prioritizing development of nuclear thermal rocket engines and highly isolated life‑support systems. Kutovoi noted payload delivery to the Moon costs roughly 50 times per kg versus ISS orbit, making maximum autonomy and closed systems critical for future crewed lunar operations. Roscosmos plans to build and test a prototype highly isolated life‑support system.