Russia and China have begun practical preparations for a joint mission to study Mars and started developing scientific instruments and specialized equipment, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov said.
Bakanov said the project is one area of space cooperation between the two countries. Combining Russia’s and China’s scientific and technical capabilities, he added, will help advance Mars research and expand international cooperation in space.

The start of work on developing scientific equipment indicates that the project has moved from the discussion stage to practical technical preparations.