Russia is talking about a manned mission to the moon
by 2030, and I like the idea if Putin goes on the spacecraft. Why settle for
the Crimea when virgin lunar locations await? He can take possession of the Sea
of Moscow on the far side of the moon.
According to media sources, Russia's Federal Space
Agency (Roscosmos) chief Oleg Ostapenko
said:
Implementing the guidelines of the Basic Principles of Russia’s space policy till the year 2030 and for a longer perspective, we have begun design works of a new manned spaceship, which will be the first element of a future manned system along with new launch vehicles — carrier rockets of the heavy and super-heavy classes.
Of course, as I noted in my last post, there is the
small issue of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States inthe Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other
Celestial Bodies, which states in Article II:
Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.
And Article IV states:
Then again, Russia does not seem to worry about treaties and promises. Hence, strap on a suit, Vlad. The dark side of the moon awaits you.The moon and other celestial bodies shall be used by all States Parties to the Treaty exclusively for peaceful purposes. The establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons and the conduct of military manoeuvres on celestial bodies shall be forbidden.