Specialists at RSC Energia, a subsidiary of Roscosmos, are currently evaluating potential projects for a crewed lunar flyby mission. General Designer Vladimir Solovyov stated that the company is exploring the use of existing spacecraft and upper-stage rocket modules to facilitate these flights.
Solovyov noted that crewed lunar missions will be significantly more expensive than robotic exploration programs. While the technical team has identified potential solutions for such missions, no specific timelines or financial estimates for the projects have been disclosed at this time.
Looking toward the future, the company remains focused on long-term space exploration goals, including potential human missions to Mars. Despite the high costs and technical challenges involved, experts emphasize that preparing for such deep-space expeditions will require a substantial amount of time.
Earlier in August, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov expressed confidence that humanity will begin lunar exploration, followed by missions to Mars. He suggested that the current generation may witness the establishment of initial infrastructure on the lunar surface.
