Chandrayaan-5 Mission

Chandrayaan-5 Mission: Recently, ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have entered the design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration).

• About Chandrayaan-5 Mission :This mission is part of India’s long-term goal of achieving an Indian landing on the Moon by 2040 and realising India’s Space Station by 2035.

o This mission targets detailed exploration of the Moon’s south pole, focusing on detecting and studying water and water-ice in its permanently shadowed regions, which are vital for future lunar exploration and habitation.

o Payload and Design: It will carry a 350 kg Japanese rover and an Indian lander.

o Scientific Goals: The rover will study the Moon’s surface and explore the lunar South Pole, a region of high scientific interest.

o Significance: Chandrayaan-5 represents a major technological milestone and supports India’s pursuit of new scientific discoveries on the Moon.