Russia launches Luna-25 space probe to the Moon

On August 11, Russia launched the Luna-25 space probe to the Moon. This is the first mission to Earth's satellite in the history of modern Russia. The rocket blasted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome at 2:11 am.

The automatic interplanetary station will arrive at the south pole of the moon. The tasks of the mission include:

• practice soft landing for future missions,
• conduct research on the circumpolar region of the Moon,
• analyse soil, dust particles and plasma in the exosphere.

If there is enough water discovered as a result of the research:

• the pole will become a suitable location for building lunar bases;
• it will be possible to load less water on manned spaceships;
• it will be possible to produce rocket fuel right on the spot.

The Luna-25 is expected to land on the south pole of the Moon on August 21.

Russia to launch two more lunar missions this decade

The Luna-25 station weighs 1,605 kilograms of which 1,000 kilograms account for fuel and 20 kilograms — for scientific equipment.

The Luna-25 is equipped with a robotic manipulator arm to collect lunar soil.

Russia plans to launch two more lunar missions during the current decade. Luna-26 and Luna-27 missions are scheduled for 2027-2028. As part of the Luna-29 mission, Russia plans to send a rover to the Earth's natural satellite.