Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and Japan will collaborate on the Chandrayaan-5 mission as part of the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) program, ushering in a new era of space cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). 

The mission aims to explore the Moon’s south pole in search of hidden resources, particularly water ice, which could be vital in future space exploration.

PM Modi stated at a joint press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that the partnership demonstrates how India’s space operations are spreading beyond Earth to benefit humanity’s progress. He went on to say that Japanese technology combined with Indian scientific skills can expedite progress not only in space research, but also in infrastructure projects like high-speed rail, ports, aviation, and shipbuilding.

During the summit, JAXA Vice President Matsuura Mayumi and Indian Ambassador Sibi George signed the Implementing Arrangement for LUPEX, thereby establishing the mission. Chandrayaan-5 builds on the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made a soft landing near the lunar south pole in 2023.

Under LUPEX, JAXA’s H3-24L rocket will carry an ISRO-built lander and a Japanese rover equipped with scientific instruments.