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Roscosmos to ditch European devices from Russian lunar probes

The first ever lunar mission in Russia’s modern history (Luna-25) is planned for 2022

MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos will remove (ESA) European Space Agency-made devices from Russian space probes in response to the ESA’s decision to discontinue its participation in Russia’s lunar programs, Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday.

"So, we’re going to remove their devices from our spacecraft. Good riddance! One less European dame off our backs, so Russia should go far with a lighter load," Rogozin wrote on his Telegram.

The European Space Agency announced earlier on Wednesday it would discontinue its cooperation with Russia on the Luna-25, Luna-26 and Luna-27 lunar missions because of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. The ESA also said it would initiate "a comprehensive review of all activities currently undertaken in cooperation with Russia and Ukraine."

The first ever lunar mission in Russia’s modern history (Luna-25) is planned for 2022 while Luna-26 is scheduled for 2024, Luna-27 is set for 2025 and Luna-28 is slated for 2027-2028.

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