New Delhi, March 17, 2025– In a monumental stride for India’s space program, the Indian government has officially approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), in collaboration with Japan’s Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Announced on March 17, 2025,this mission marks a significant advancement in India’s lunar exploration ambitions, building on the success of previous Chandrayaan missions.
Chandrayaan-5: A Bigger, Bolder Lunar Rover
Chandrayaan-5 will feature a massive 250 kg rover, a dramatic upgrade from the 25 kg rover deployed in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic soft landing near the lunar South Pole in 2023. This enhanced rover, developed by JAXA, will be carried to the Moon’s surface by an ISRO-built lander, focusing on exploring the Moon’s shadowed regions near the South Pole. These areas are of particular scientific interest due to the potential presence of water ice, a critical resource for future lunar habitation and sustainable human activities.
The mission’s primary objective is to conduct detailed on-site sampling and analysis of lunar material, as well as demonstrate technologies for surviving the extreme conditions of lunar nights. This collaboration underscores the growing synergy between ISRO and JAXA, combining India’s expertise in lunar landers with Japan’s advanced rover technology and measurement capabilities.
Chandrayaan-4: Setting the Stage for Sample Return
The approval of Chandrayaan-5 comes on the heels of preparations for Chandrayaan-4, expected to launch in 2027. Chandrayaan-4 is a lunar sample-return mission designed to collect and bring back up to 3 kg of lunar regolith (Moon soil) to Earth for scientific study. This ambitious mission, also part of ISRO’s Chandrayaan program, will involve multiple launches, docking maneuvers in both Earth and lunar orbits, and advanced robotic technologies. It positions India as the fourth nation, after the U.S., Russia, and China, capable of executing a lunar sample return, further solidifying its status as a global space power.
A Collaborative Vision for Lunar Research
The Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission exemplifies international cooperation in space exploration. ISRO will provide the lander, while JAXA will develop the rover, with additional instruments from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) enhancing the mission’s scientific payload. The focus on the lunar South Pole is driven by recent analyses suggesting the presence of water ice, which could serve as a vital resource for energy, drinking water, and rocket fuel for future missions.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “Just three days ago, we received approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission in association with Japan. This mission will carry a 250 kg rover to study the Moon’s surface, marking a new era of collaboration and exploration.”
India’s Ambitious Space Vision
The approval of Chandrayaan-5 aligns with India’s broader space vision, as outlined by ISRO. The agency is not only targeting lunar exploration but also planning a crewed Moon landing by 2040 and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035. These milestones, coupled with the success of Chandrayaan-3 and the upcoming SpaDeX docking experiments, demonstrate India’s rapid progress in space technology and its commitment to becoming a leader in global space research.
Looking Ahead
With Chandrayaan-5 slated for launch in the 2028–2029 timeframe, India and Japan are poised to deepen their partnership and contribute valuable data to the global understanding of the Moon. Meanwhile, Chandrayaan-4’s sample-return mission in 2027 will provide scientists with unprecedented insights into lunar geology, potentially unlocking new possibilities for future human exploration.
The End
As India’s space ambitions soar higher than ever, the Chandrayaan program continues to rewrite history, one mission at a time. With its eyes set on the Moon and beyond ISRO is not just exploring space but also inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.