Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) Mission

On 14th May 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) jointly commenced the preliminary design phase for Chandrayaan-5.

The mission is aimed at detecting water on the lunar surface and subsurface through deeper India-Japan cooperation in lunar science.

Key Points

Aspect	Details
Mission Name	Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX), also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration mission.
Collaboration	A joint ISRO-JAXA mission to explore lunar water and ice using a rover and lander.
Launch Plan	The 6.5-tonne mission is planned for launch in 2027-28 aboard Japan’s H3 rocket.
ISRO Role	India will develop the landing module.
JAXA Role	Japan will develop the rover.
Scientific Instruments	The mission will carry scientific instruments from ISRO, JAXA, NASA, and ESA, currently in the design phase.

ESA’s BIOMASS MISSION

The European Space Agency’s Biomass mission, scheduled for launch on 29th April 2025, is an Earth Explorer satellite designed to provide detailed insights into the world’s forests and their role in the Earth’s carbon cycle.

PT Facts

LUPEX: Stands for Lunar Polar Exploration mission.
India-Japan Cooperation: Chandrayaan-5 reflects deeper bilateral collaboration in lunar science.
Lunar Water: Water and ice detection is central to long-term human presence on the Moon.
India’s Lunar Programme: Continues lunar exploration after Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3.

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