A Japanese delegation recently held discussions with the senior leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and visited the facilities of the space agency to review the status of the Chandrayaan-5/ LuPEX mission and explore future opportunities.
The Vice-Chair of Japan’s Cabinet Committee on National Space Policy Saku Tsuneta called on ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on November 21 to discuss the status of the Chandrayaan-5/ LuPEX, which is a Joint Lunar Polar Exploration mission between the ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Fifth mission
The Chandrayaan-5 LuPEX mission is the fifth mission in the Chandrayaan series of lunar missions to study the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region in the lunar South pole.
According to the ISRO, the mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry the MHI, Japan-made lunar rover.
The ISRO, apart from developing the lunar lander, is also responsible for developing a few scientific instruments for the mission, which would be contributed by ISRO, JAXA, ESA, and NASA, all thematically connected with the exploration and in-situ analysis of the volatiles reserved in the lunar polar region.
The LUPEX will be a precursor to the ISRO’s lunar sample return mission and for sending the first Indian to the moon by 2040.
Robotics
The Japanese delegation also explored potential opportunities to work together in the field of robotic arm for space stations, launching of scientific satellites, and in supporting researchers and private companies from both nations for joint activities.
They also visited the technical facilities at the ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE) of U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC).
Published – November 24, 2025 09:43 pm IST
