The lunar exploration schedule surrounding the Luna-26 orbital spacecraft appears to be flexible, with officials suggesting a potential shift in dates from 2027 to 2026. This possibility was disclosed by Yuri Borisov, the General Director of Roscosmos, during a meeting where Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with a group of young scientists and space experts. The discussion took place amid broader conversations about the nation’s ambitions in space exploration and the strategic role of Russia’s space program in the coming years. The remarks were reported by TASS at the time of the briefing.
“We will try, maybe even move it to the left, we have plans for 2026,” Borisov stated, signaling openness to accelerating parts of the planning. This comment reflected an ongoing effort to synchronize project milestones with technical readiness, funding allocations, and potential international or domestic collaboration that could influence the timeline. The speaker clarified that while a 2026 date is on the table, the team remains attentive to how the project progresses and what constraints may arise, ensuring that the mission outcomes meet the highest standards of technical and scientific quality. The broader context of the remarks pointed to a dynamic schedule rather than a fixed, unchangeable deadline, a stance consistent with the iterative nature of deep-space missions. (TASS)
Nevertheless, Borisov also noted that the official objective for the launch of the next lunar mission remains set for 2027, underscoring a dual-track approach of hopeful optimism paired with pragmatic planning. This balance suggests the space agency is preparing for both contingencies and milestones, maintaining readiness for a possible earlier launch if conditions permit, while continuing to align with the long-term strategic goals for lunar research and technology demonstration. The public framing of the date as 2027 indicates a preferred target, but does not preclude adjustments based on mission readiness, risk management, or evolving program priorities. (TASS)
On 26 October, during a visit to Korolev in the Moscow region, Putin met with rocket and space industry specialists, including a discussion with executives and young professionals from the sector. The gathering occurred at the Rocket and Space Company Energia, with the president accompanied by key officials such as the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, and the Roscosmos Director General, Yuri Borisov. The meeting touched on strategic directions for the space sector and included dialogues about how the state intends to support scientific and industrial development across the space corridor. At the end of the session, the president directed the leadership to advance the development of a national project aimed at strengthening the space industry, setting a target to finalize frameworks or recommendations by July 1, 2024. (TASS)
In parallel, Putin also referenced the approximate timing for the first ROS module’s orbital launch, outlining a roadmap that would enable Russia to extend its capabilities in lunar habitation and sustained operations beyond initial mission objectives. The exchanges signaled a concerted effort to align top-level political priorities with technical milestones, ensuring that political commitment translates into tangible progress for the country’s space program. (TASS)