Chandrayaan-5 Approved: ISRO Plans 350kg Rover with Japan, Aims for Lunar Exploration & Future Moon Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, marking another major step in India’s ambitious lunar exploration program. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the approval, emphasizing that the mission aligns with India’s long-term vision of achieving a human landing on the Moon by 2040. The Chandrayaan-5 mission is set to include a 350 kg rover and a significant collaboration with Japan, reflecting India’s growing global partnerships in space exploration.

Key Highlights of Chandrayaan-5

Mission Approval: The Indian government has officially approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission.

350 kg Rover: The mission will feature a large, high-capacity rover for advanced lunar exploration.

India-Japan Collaboration: ISRO will collaborate with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to enhance mission capabilities.

Lunar Roadmap: Chandrayaan-5 is part of India’s broader lunar goals, leading to a future human landing.

Technological Advancements: The mission will test new landing and mobility technologies essential for deep-space exploration.

India’s Expanding Lunar and Space Exploration Plans

As part of its aggressive space roadmap, ISRO has outlined multiple upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan-4, which is expected to focus on lunar sample collection and return technology. Chandrayaan-5 aims to push lunar exploration further by deploying an advanced lander and rover, setting the foundation for eventual human missions to the Moon.

Additionally, India has ambitious plans to develop its own space station, named the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, expected to be operational by 2035. These advancements align with India’s goal of sending astronauts to the Moon aboard an indigenous rocket in the coming decades.

Strengthening India’s Space Launch Capabilities

Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its space launch capabilities, successfully deploying satellites for 34 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Canada. Key achievements include:

393 foreign satellites launched using PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles since 2014.

Three Indian commercial satellites successfully deployed.

New spaceport development in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to small satellite launches. The facility, initiated on March 5, 2024, is expected to enhance India’s commercial launch services, particularly in polar orbit deployments using SSLV.

Scientific Achievements and Future Missions

ISRO’s past achievements continue to shape its future missions. The Chandrayaan-1 mission was instrumental in discovering water on the Moon, while Chandrayaan-3 made history by achieving a soft landing at the lunar south pole—the first country to do so.

Beyond lunar missions, ISRO is expanding its focus on solar research. The successful launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar observation satellite, positions the country among the few nations studying the Sun’s activity in detail.

Conclusion

The approval of Chandrayaan-5 marks another milestone in India’s rapidly advancing space program. With a strong focus on technological innovation, strategic international collaborations, and an expanding space exploration roadmap, India is reinforcing its position as a key player in the global space race. As ISRO progresses toward its ambitious goals, the Chandrayaan-5 mission will serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of lunar exploration and deep-space missions.