The Hungarian Solar Physics Foundation has recently marked its entry into the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a collaborative project spearheaded by China and Russia to create a permanent base on the moon by 2035. This new partnership highlights Hungary’s expanding role in global space exploration.
Strategic Partnerships Expand
On July 12th, Robert Fay-Siebenburgen, president of the Hungarian Solar Physics Foundation, formalized this collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, China. This ceremony was not just a formality but a step towards deepening space exploration cooperation between Hungary and China.
During the event, discussions were held with key figures like Wu Yanhua, who is leading China’s deep space missions. These discussions not only explored current achievements but also future ambitions in space science. The Hungarian foundation’s commitment to this project brings the total number of ILRS partners to about 25, encompassing a diverse group of state agencies and independent research entities.
A Growing Network of Global Collaboration
The ILRS now boasts a broad spectrum of participants from various countries including China, Russia, Pakistan, and South Africa, among others. Just this month, Kazakhstan also joined the initiative, strengthening the project’s scope during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Contrasting Moon Missions
The ILRS project contrasts with the US-led Artemis Programme, which similarly aims to establish a lunar base but follows a different international agreement, the Artemis Accords. Unlike the Artemis programme, which has attracted 43 nations, Hungary has opted to engage with the ILRS instead of the Artemis initiative.
Hungary’s Role in Space and Solar Physics
Back home, the Hungarian Solar Physics Foundation continues to be a key player in solar physics. With major observatories in Gyula and Balatonrendes, the foundation is at the forefront of solar and heliospheric physics research. Its ongoing collaborations with prestigious Chinese institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, underline Hungary’s significant contributions to the field.
For ongoing updates on this ambitious lunar project and other space exploration news, check out our space exploration section. For a broader perspective on international space collaborations, refer to this detailed article.
