India's ambitious lunar exploration program is set to advance with the approval of the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Announced by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on March 16, 2025, this mission aims to deepen our understanding of the Moon's south polar region through a collaborative effort with Japan's space agency, JAXA.
Mission Overview
Chandrayaan-5 represents a significant milestone in India's space endeavors, building upon the successes of previous missions. The mission is designed to conduct an advanced study of the lunar surface, focusing on areas that have remained largely unexplored.
Launch Date and Budget
The mission is slated for launch no earlier than 2028. While specific budget details have not been publicly disclosed, it is anticipated that Chandrayaan-5's budget will exceed that of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3, which was completed with a budget of approximately ₹615 crore (around $75 million).
Key Specifications
Launch Vehicle: The mission is expected to utilize Japan's H3 launch vehicle.
Lander and Rover: ISRO will provide the lander, while both ISRO and JAXA will collaboratively develop a rover weighing approximately 250 kg. This marks a significant increase from the 25 kg 'Pragyan' rover used in Chandrayaan-3.Mission Objectives
Chandrayaan-5 aims to achieve several critical objectives:
- Detailed Lunar Analysis: Conduct high-precision scientific studies in the Moon's south polar region, focusing on morphology, mineral composition, and thermal properties.
- Water Ice Exploration: Investigate permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) for potential water ice deposits, which could be vital for future lunar missions.
- Enhanced Mobility and Accuracy: Deploy a heavier rover to improve mobility and landing precision, setting the stage for future exploratory missions.
Collaborative Effort
This mission underscores the growing collaboration between ISRO and JAXA, combining resources and expertise to achieve shared goals in lunar exploration. The partnership aims to leverage each agency's strengths, with JAXA providing the launch vehicle and ISRO contributing the lander, fostering a spirit of international cooperation in space exploration.