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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 12 March, 2021

  • 3 Min Read

Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX)

Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX)

  • The Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX) is a robotic lunar mission concept by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that would send a lunar rover and lander to explore the south pole region of the Moon in 2024.
  • JAXA is likely to provide the under-development H3 launch vehicle and the rover, while ISRO would be responsible for the lander.
  • The mission concept has not yet been formally proposed for funding and planning
  • The Lunar Polar Exploration mission would demonstrate new surface exploration technologies related to vehicular transport and lunar night survival for sustainable lunar exploration in polar regions.
  • For precision landing, it would utilize a feature matching algorithm and navigational equipment derived from JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission.

Details of Rover and lander

  • The lander's payload capacity would be 350 kg (770 lb) at a minimum.
  • The rover would carry multiple instruments by JAXA and ISRO including a drill to collect sub-surface samples from 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) depth.
  • Water prospecting and analysis are likely to be mission objectives.

Source: TH


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