Nasa has signed a joint statement with the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos to further develop the deep space gateway concept, which aims to enable human space exploration in the vicinity of the Moon.

The deep space gateway is also expected to confirm Nasa’s capabilities for sending manned missions beyond the Moon and deep into the solar system, including Mars.

Nasa has also engaged other industry partners to conduct additional studies for the gateway concept.

Nasa Washington headquarters acting administrator Robert Lightfoot said: “While the deep space gateway is still in concept formulation, Nasa is pleased to see growing international interest in moving into cislunar space as the next step for advancing human space exploration.