Serbia Joins China-Led International Lunar Research Station Project
Serbia has become the latest country to sign on to the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which envisions constructing a permanent lunar base in the 2030s. Serbia’s Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation signed a memorandum of understanding with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on ILRS cooperation earlier this week.
The development was listed in a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs document following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Serbia. Serbia also signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of innovation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
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The ILRS aims to launch precursor missions in the 2020s, including Chang’e-7, around 2026 and the later Chang’e-8 in-situ resource utilization technology test mission. Both will target the lunar south pole.
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Serbia becomes the 11th country to join the ILRS, following Nicaragua and Thailand in April. China and Russia formally announced the joint project in June 2021, with Venezuela, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, South Africa and Egypt signing up during 2023.
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Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation noted Serbia’s interest in accessing the moon and seeking a partner like China that has effectively used space for soft power outreach. She added that the more countries sign onto either the Artemis Accords or the ILRS, the more crucial it is to deconflict activities on the moon and ensure sustainable long-term access.