Roscosmos Chief predicts human colonization of Moon and Mars

Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of Roscosmos, stated that humanity will establish colonies on the Moon and Mars in the future. He described the Moon as a critical first phase and a potential backup location for humanity in the event of natural or human-made catastrophes on Earth.

Bakanov noted that life support technologies must be tested on the Moon before missions to other planets can be safely organized. He mentioned discussing the challenges of manned missions with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in July.

Russia's long-term space ambitions include the potential construction of a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036 to support lunar infrastructure. Other proposed projects include the Bumerang interplanetary station to study Mars' moon, Phobos, after 2030, and the development of spacecraft utilizing nuclear propulsion.