Yurchikhin said: “As someone who understands even a little about space, I can say: It would be great if humanity one day realized that collective action is easier and beneficial than working alone. But since the United States, for example, has designated the areas where Apollo missions landed as its own, this expectation is realistic.”

“The conflict on the Moon, if any precious mineral resources are found on its surface, will be very fierce. This is something that must be realized,” the astronaut emphasized in response to a question about whether the Moon, like Antarctica, should be considered a zone free of territorial claims.

He pointed out that there is a planet inhabited by creatures that call themselves rational, but throughout their history they have been destroying their species.

He added: “What about artificial intelligence? What is its main purpose? Certainly, for military work. I have no doubt about that.”

He continued: “I very much hope to see humanity reach a stage where it learns to develop and create together. The concept of colonialism is fading, even though it already exists. Today, the powerful countries of the world are doing their best to prevent emerging countries from developing.”

He added: “For this reason, I hope that we will explore the moon together, and that it will have different laws. This is what my heart says.

As for my mind, it says that a fierce battle awaits us. Today I see no indication that exploring the moon will take place jointly.”

Several countries are currently implementing various programs to explore the moon, including building bases and settlements.

Source: “Novosti”

Deep space flight requirements

Mikhail Kovalchuk, head of the Kurchatov Institute, notes that future Mars missions will require developing new types of space engines, establishing a base on the Moon and learning how to live and work on it.