India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 Mission Enters Design Phase

India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 Mission Enters Design Phase

Why in the News ?

India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission, aimed at lunar polar water exploration. With a 2027–28 launch timeline, the mission focuses on surface and subsurface water detection and in-situ analysis.

India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 Mission Enters Design Phase

Mission Overview and Objectives:

  • Chandrayaan-5, also called LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration), is a joint mission by ISRO and JAXA.
  • It aims to detect water and water-ice on the Moon’s south pole, both on the surface and subsurface.
  • The mission will launch on Japan’s H3 rocket around 2027–28.

  • Approved by the Indian Cabinet in March 2024, it follows the success of Chandrayaan-3 and precedes Chandrayaan-4, which will be a sample-return mission.

Roles, Instruments, and Design Progress

  • ISRO is developing the lander, while JAXA is building the 350 kg rover, equipped with seven scientific instruments.
  • Instruments include contributions from ESA (mass spectrometer) and NASA (neutron spectrometer), both under design.
  • One large instrument will have four sensors, one by ISRO and three by JAXA.
  • The rover will drill, sample regolith, and conduct in-situ analysis of water content and quality.

Technical Details and Future Plans

  • The rover is designed to climb 25° slopes and move on rugged lunar terrain.
  • Battery charging is planned pre- and post-sample collection.
  • Mission duration is 5 months (200 days), with hopes to extend life and possibly reach the Moon’s far side.
  • A JAXA team is visiting ISRO to discuss collaboration details.

About Chandrayaan-5 :

●     Chandrayaan-5 is India’s upcoming lunar mission featuring a 350 kg rover.

●     It is a joint venture between ISRO and JAXA (India and Japan).

●     Aims to explore the Moon extensively and strengthen technologies for human landings by 2040.

●     Includes an advanced lander, sample return capability, and builds on Chandrayaan-3 & 4 successes.

Key Terms Related to Chandrayaan-5 :

●     Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX: Joint Indo-Japanese lunar mission.

●     ISRO & JAXA: Collaborating space agencies.

●     Lunar Water: Primary target of exploration.

●     Spectrometers: From ESA and NASA, for in-situ analysis.

●     H3 Rocket: Japanese launch vehicle.

●     Regolith Sampling: For subsurface study.

●     Moon’s South Pole: Exploration site.