Russia and China Agree , to Build Research Station br on the Moon.br The two countries' space agencies signed br an agreement on Tuesday with the goal br of creating a joint lunar research station.br According to officials, the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) would be "open to all interested countries and international partners,".br "strengthen scientific research exchanges, and promote humanity’s exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purpose[s].".br The ILRS is a comprehensive scientific experiment base with the capability of long-term autonomous operation, .., CNSA Statement, via Space.com.br ... built on the lunar surface andor [in] lunar orbit that will carry out multi-disciplinary and multi-objective scientific research activities .., CNSA Statement, via Space.com.br ... such as lunar exploration and utilization, lunar-based observation, basic scientific experiment[s] and technical verification, CNSA Statement, via Space.com.