NEW DELHI: As India continues to cement its position as a leading space-faring nation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled exciting details about its upcoming lunar missions. In a recent address, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan outlined plans for Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, building on the successes of previous endeavors like the historic soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s south pole in 2023.
The Evolution of India’s Chandrayaan Program
India’s Chandrayaan program, initiated in 2008 with Chandrayaan-1 which discovered water molecules on the Moon, has evolved significantly. Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 included an orbiter that continues to provide valuable data, while Chandrayaan-3 achieved a milestone in 2023 by successfully landing and deploying the Pragyaan rover, identifying a suite of key chemical elements, conducted seismic studies, and analyzed the lunar thermal profile.
These missions have not only boosted India’s scientific capabilities but also positioned it as the first nation to land near the lunar south pole. Now, with designs for Chandrayaan-4 and -5 finalized, ISRO is shifting toward more complex goals, including sample return and resource exploration.
Chandrayaan-4: The Precursor to Advanced Exploration
Before delving into Chandrayaan-5, it’s essential to understand its immediate predecessor. Chandrayaan-4 is designed as India’s first lunar sample-return mission, where the spacecraft will collect samples from the Moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis.
As ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated during the inaugural ceremony of the Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START 2026) program in Bengaluru: “Now we are working on the continuation of the Chandrayaan programme. In Chandrayaan-4, we plan to collect samples and bring them back.” This mission is slated for launch around 2027-2028, paving the way for human lunar missions by demonstrating key technologies like re-entry and sample handling.
What is Chandrayaan-5?
Chandrayaan-5, also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), represents a significant upgrade in India’s lunar ambitions. Approved by the Indian government on March, 2025, it is a joint mission between ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). ISRO will provide the lander, while JAXA will supply the rover.
The mission aims to explore the Moon’s south polar region, focusing on the presence and distribution of water ice and other volatiles. This collaboration enhances scientific outcomes by combining expertise in landing technology and rover operations. As Narayanan noted shortly after approval in 2025: “Just three days back, we got the approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission. We will be doing it in association with Japan
Key Technical Advancements in Chandrayaan-5
One of the standout features of Chandrayaan-5 is its heavier and more capable design compared to previous missions. The lander will have an extended operational life of around 100 days on the lunar surface, a dramatic improvement over Chandrayaan-3’s 14-day mission. The rover, weighing approximately 350 kg, up from the 25 kg Pragyaan in Chandrayaan-3 will enable more extensive exploration and data collection. Earlier plans in 2025 indicated a 250 kg rover, but recent updates reflect design enhancements for greater payload and durability.
Narayanan explained in his 2026 address: “Chandrayaan-5 will involve a heavier lander with a longer mission life… In the future mission, we are talking about a life of around 100 days. The rover will also be heavier. Chandrayaan-3 had a rover of about 25 kg, while the future mission will have a rover of about 350 kg.” The mission will include a soft lander and rover, with the rover equipped for drilling to access subsurface samples.
Scientific Objectives and Global Significance
Chandrayaan-5’s primary goal is to investigate water ice deposits in the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions at the south pole, which could be crucial for future human settlements and fuel production. The rover will drill into the lunar regolith to collect samples of water ice and volatiles, providing insights into the Moon’s geological history and resource potential. This data will also support international efforts like NASA’s Artemis program, of which India is a signatory, by contributing to a better understanding of sustainable lunar exploration.
Narayanan highlighted the mission’s focus in 2025: “This advanced rover aims to conduct detailed studies of the Moon’s surface and composition.” By aiding in the identification of resources, Chandrayaan-5 aligns with global initiatives, including competitions from China and Russia’s International Lunar Research Station.
Timeline, Challenges, and India’s Space Vision 2047
ISRO aims to launch Chandrayaan-5 by 2028, following technical interface meetings with JAXA and ongoing development. Challenges include ensuring the lander’s survival in the harsh lunar environment for an extended period and integrating international components seamlessly. This mission fits into India’s ambitious Space Vision 2047, which includes the Venus Orbiter Mission, a potential Mars landing, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program (targeting astronauts in space within two years), an Indian space station by 2035, and landing Indians on the Moon by 2040. Narayanan emphasized: “We are working on the continuation of the Chandrayaan programme,” underscoring the program’s role in inspiring the next generation through initiatives like START.
About the Author
