China and Russia announced plans to build their own space stations on the Moon.
Russian space agency Roscosmos said it has signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration to develop research facilities on the Moon's surface, in orbit or both.
According to statements from the two space agencies, the station can be used by other countries as well.
Named the International Scientific Lunar Station, the station will conduct various research, including exploration of the Moon.
"China and Russia will use their experience in space science, research and development as well as the use of space equipment and space technology to jointly develop an international lunar scientific research station," China's National Space Administration said in a statement.
Adding to the statement, Russia and China will cooperate in the planning, design, development and operation of the station.
Chen Lan, an analyst who specializes in China's space program, said the project was a big deal.
"This is the largest international space cooperation project for China, so this is very important," he explained.
Last December, China successfully brought back rocks and ‘soil’ taken from the Moon via the Chang’e-5 space mission. The success clearly demonstrates China's capabilities in space.
Russia last year lost its monopoly on bringing the country's astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) following the successful launch of Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket.
The United States (US) has announced plans to bring astronauts to the Moon by 2024.
The program, known as Artemis, will see the first female landing on the Moon since 1972.
