ISRO plans advanced lander for 2028 Moon Mission with Japan

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 27, 2024: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a high-capacity lunar lander for the upcoming Indo-Japan Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, slated for a 2028 launch. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath revealed that the lander will carry a 350 kg rover, 14 times the weight of Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyaan rover, to demonstrate technologies for potential human moon landings.

The mission, also known as Chandrayaan-5, will focus on critical capabilities like precise landing, extended surface operations, and in-situ analysis, essential for future human exploration. “The lander will require new engines, propellant tanks, and advanced landing systems,” Somanath said, noting a major leap from Chandrayaan-3’s 25 kg rover capacity.

Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will supply the launch vehicle, with both countries collaborating on a “work-share” arrangement.

In related developments, ISRO’s NISAR mission with NASA is set for a February 2025 launch after resolving technical adjustments to the satellite’s radar antenna. Additionally, ISRO plans a December launch of its first Technology Demonstrator Satellite (TDS-01) to test cost-saving electric propulsion technologies.