China and Russia space programmes to share space flight components, says Russian agency
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Russia’s space authority will incorporate a Chinese superheavy launcher into its home-grown manned spacecraft for future moon-landing missions, a senior Russian official said.
“Both sides have agreed to incorporate Russia’s superheavy rocket with China’s human space flight as well as the other way round – incorporate China’s superheavy rocket with Russia’s manned carriers,” he said on Monday, according to Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik. China has not commented on the planned space cooperation with Russia.
While Bloshenko did not specify which spacecraft would be involved, the report referred to the construction of Russia’s Yenisei superheavy launcher and the Oryol manned spacecraft. It also mentioned construction under way of China’s new-generation heavy launch vehicle Long March 9 and a new-generation crew launch vehicle.
According to previous government announcements, the first lift-off of Yenisei and Oyrol is set for 2028 and a test flight of China’s Long March 9 is expected in 2030.