/sci/ - Science & Math

>>8811465
The idea for the project has some roots in Russia so we may have them to thank for it all. Their space program is under severe budget cuts but the airlock may be affordable to them.

As for China, it used to be that Senator Wolf was the major obstacle to China's cooperation with the US in space, but he is no longer in office, so I don't know how likely it is that China will join in the ISS or cis-lunar station now. They do have their own lunar exploration program though, so maybe we will see increased cooperation in the future.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Lunar_Exploration_Program

>>8811495
You're right about the lander needing more fuel/energy to get to the station. When I say more mass to the Moon I am talking about rockets. Only NASA (so far) will be using super heavy lift rockets, so for instance, if Europe wants to land more than a ton or two on the Moon with a heavy lift rocket, then they will use the re-usable lander. Countries can get more mass to the Moon without needing to use bigger rockets if they use the re-usable lander. Pic kind of related.