Russia and China unveiled a joint roadmap for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the GLEX conference, defining a three-phase plan: reconnaissance (2021-25), construction (2026-35), and utilization beyond 2036. The construction phase is split into 2026-30 and 2031-35, with Chang’e-8 and Luna 28 named as early construction missions and a final operational target of crewed landings after 2036. The roadmap also describes five mission blocks, ILRS-1 through ILRS-5, focused on energy and communications, research and exploration facilities, in-situ resource utilization, general technologies, and astronomy capabilities.[1][2][6][10]
Technically, the roadmap signals that the first durable lunar settlement architecture will likely be built around robotic logistics, surface power, communications relays, ISRU, and eventually nuclear or large solar energy systems, not immediate human occupation. That matters for the Ark because the ILRS model emphasizes the exact subsystem stack needed for survivable lunar infrastructure: site validation, cargo delivery, off-world power generation, surface autonomy, and phased expansion from robotic to crewed operations. The inclusion of partner participation and a possible lunar nuclear reactor also indicates that governance, power security, and international standards will be central to any future resilient lunar civilization framework.[1][7][8][9]
Ark should monitor the actual launch sequence and mission success of Chang’e-7/8 and Luna 25/26/27/28, because those flights will determine whether ILRS timelines are credible or aspirational. The team should also track any formal decisions on south-pole site selection, power architecture, and ILRSCO partner agreements, then use those data to benchmark Ark design requirements for long-duration storage, autonomous construction, radiation-hardened communications, and energy continuity. The highest-value integration is to treat ILRS as a live testbed for lunar settlement lessons, especially around phased infrastructure deployment and multinational governance.[1][3][6][9]