New Delhi: India is set to advance its fifth lunar mission, the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), following approval from the National Space Commission. Unlike previous missions, LUPEX will be a joint initiative between India and Japan, aiming ultimately to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon and safely return them.
The Cabinet approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission on September 18, and LUPEX is expected to receive similar approval soon. ISRO Chairman S. Somnath stated in an interview with the Times of India that further Cabinet approvals are anticipated in the coming days, emphasizing the need to build a series of missions that enhance capabilities for human lunar landings.
The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and ISRO are collaborating on this next lunar mission. JAXA is developing the lander, while ISRO is responsible for the rover, which will carry instruments from both agencies, as well as equipment from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
According to JAXA, the LUPEX mission aims to explore the lunar polar regions to establish a base for sustained activities on the Moon. It will also gather information on the availability of water resources on the lunar surface and demonstrate planetary surface exploration technologies, including the ability to stay overnight on the Moon.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com, Date: 2024-10-07