In a landmark agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tokyo, India and Japan officially signed an implementing arrangement for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration Mission). The mission—focused on the Moon’s south pole and especially the permanently shadowed regions—marks a new level in bilateral cooperation in space exploration. The Times of India
Why the Partnership Matters
This collaboration allows both countries to combine strengths: ISRO will develop the lunar lander and several scientific instruments, while JAXA will provide the launch vehicle (H3-24L) and a robust 250–350 kg rover developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The targeted exploration zone—the Moon’s south pole—is known for its permanent shadows and potential water-ice deposits, making it a crucial area for both scientific discovery and future human exploration.
Mission Scope and Timeline
ISRO and JAXA have already advanced into the design phase, with technical teams convening for critical planning and interface discussions. Official mission approval was granted in March 2025, setting the stage for a potential launch timeframe of 2027–2029, aboard Japan’s H3 rocket.
Scientific Objectives
- Payload: A 6.5-tonne lander-rover system, with the rover ten times heavier than Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover.
- Instruments: Including spectrometers, ground-penetrating radar, water analyzers, neutron and mass spectrometers, and a 1.5-meter drill for deep lunar sampling—some developed with contributions from NASA and ESA.
- Mission Duration: Planned for at least 100 days, with a potential extension if conditions permit.
Strategic Impact and Future Milestones
This mission not only embodies a shared scientific pursuit but also deepens a strategic partnership between two leading Asian democracies. According to PM Modi, this collaboration will fuel innovation, connect industry and startups, and bring breakthroughs both in space and everyday life.
Chandrayaan-5 is the next in India’s lunar series following Chandrayaan-4 (a sample return mission) and precedes further ambitions—such as future missions leading up to human landings on the Moon by 2040.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX – Lunar Polar Exploration) |
| Partners | ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan), with MHI for the rover construction |
| Target | Permanently Shadowed Regions at the Moon’s South Pole |
| Key Equipment | ISRO lander, JAXA/MHI rover (~250–350 kg), launched by H3-24L rocket |
| Launch Timeline | Estimated between 2027–2029 |
| Scientific Aims | Probe water-ice, conduct in-situ surface and subsurface analysis |
| Mission Duration | Initially 100 days, with scope for extension |
