Chandrayaan-5 Mission

Chandrayaan-5 Mission: The Centre has recently accorded approval for the ambitious Chandrayaan-5 mission to study the Moon, as announced by ISRO.

• About Chandrayaan-5: 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 Chandrayaan-5 is a collaborative effort between India and Japan (JAXA).

o It aims to explore the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions, which may contain water ice crucial for future lunar exploration and habitation.

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

o The mission will demonstrate a higher capacity lander, advancing India’s space capabilities.

• Scientific Goals: The rover will study the Moon’s surface and explore the lunar South Pole, a region of high scientific interest.
• International Collaboration: ISRO will provide the lander, while JAXA will develop the rover.

o This collaboration marks a significant step in international cooperation for India’s space program.

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