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Russia's Lunar Rovers Aim for 100km Exploration
28 Aug
Summary
- Two rovers will explore up to 100 km on the Moon's surface.
- Landers will target North and South Poles for initial assessment.
- Space nuclear power and lunar power plants are also key focuses.
Russia is advancing its lunar exploration program with plans for two light-class landers, Luna-27A and Luna-27B, destined for the Moon's North and South Poles respectively. Following an assessment of these polar regions, a spacecraft will deploy two lunar rovers.
These rovers are designed to extend exploration range to an estimated 50 to 100 km, although specific distances are still under discussion. Both landers are equipped with essential thermal control units and radioisotope thermoelectric generators.
Further development includes a focus on space nuclear power, with the creation of a lunar power plant being a significant objective. Roscosmos also plans to launch a spacecraft carrying nuclear industry specialists before the current program period concludes.
Earlier reports indicated that a Luna-30 mission would involve two medium-sized rovers, weighing up to 500 kg, to explore a polar region for future lunar base construction. A heavy landing platform will support these rovers and three lunar power plant missions.
