Russia plans to launch a lunar probe in 2024 which will scout possible locations - before landing a man on the moon in 2030.
Construction of the Luna 25 lander has already begun, the official state news agency Tass has reported.
Once the components are in place, assembly of the moon base will continue over ten years.
Moscow has previously said that it envisages the base being permanent.
Last year, deputy premier Dmitry Rogozin said: 'We are coming to the moon forever.' .... https://uk.news.yahoo.com