The Indian government has given the green light for the Chandrayaan-5 moon mission, marking another significant step in India’s ambitious space exploration program. The announcement was made by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan during an event at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru.
Key Highlights of Chandrayaan-5
Narayanan confirmed that the Chandrayaan-5 mission will feature a 250-kilogram rover designed to conduct detailed studies of the moon’s surface and composition. The mission will be carried out in collaboration with Japan, reflecting a growing partnership in space exploration between the two nations. “Just three days ago, we received approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission. This advanced rover aims to conduct detailed studies of the Moon’s surface and composition,” Narayanan said.
India’s Lunar Journey So Far
India’s lunar exploration journey began with Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, which collected chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic data from the moon. The second mission, Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, included an orbiter, a lander, and a rover aimed at exploring the moon’s south pole. While the lander faced setbacks during the final stages, the orbiter continues to send high-resolution images of the moon.
In 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made history when its lander, Vikram, successfully achieved a soft landing on the moon’s south pole on August 23 — making India the first country to reach this unexplored region.
Future of India’s Space Missions
The Indian government has also approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, scheduled for launch in 2027, with the goal of collecting lunar samples and returning them to Earth. Additionally, India is preparing for its first manned space mission, the Gaganyaan Mission, targeted for launch in 2028.
Mission Significance
The approval of Chandrayaan-5 reflects India’s growing confidence and capability in space exploration. The collaboration with Japan is expected to bring advanced technology and scientific expertise, further strengthening India’s position in the global space race.
