At one time our countries participated

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At the same time, for Donald Trump, both in his first presidential term and during the recent election campaign, the topic of space programs was indeed of significant importance. It is enough to recall, for example, the creation of the US Space Force in Trump's first presidential term , in December 2019. But, by the way, at that time such a step was justified by the Republican president precisely by the need to contain Russia and China in the space sphere. Involving Russia in participation in a major American space program would contradict this approach.


"SP": Or maybe it would be more profitable and honorable for us to cooperate with China ? Or maybe even more effective?


– The plans for cooperation between Russia and loan database in the space sector, reflected in official statements, are, of course, quite ambitious. For example, the joint statement following the talks between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in May 2024 mentioned plans for cooperation in both the creation of an International Scientific Lunar Station and in deep space research. But it is also clear that Beijing , like any other international player, will primarily defend its own interests in the negotiations on such cooperation, related to strengthening its positions in the space sector.


Again, the question is how much the US intention to limit China's technological capabilities may further influence Beijing's cooperation with European powers in the space sector. For example, the landing module of the Chang'e-6 probe, which was used for China's unmanned mission to the Moon in May-June 2024, included French, Italian, and Swedish instruments.


If the US succeeds in putting pressure on European countries to reduce the volume of their cooperation with China in this area, this in itself could further increase China’s interest in space cooperation with Moscow .


"SP": in the preparation of joint missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus. Do you think we will ever return to this? Or never?