India and Japan Collaborate on Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Approval | Approved by India's National Space Commission as India's fifth lunar mission. |
| Collaborative Partners | ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan). |
| Objective | Explore the presence and distribution of water in the Moon's polar regions. |
| Mission Duration | Up to 100 days on the lunar surface. |
| Rover Details | Weighs ~350 kg, developed by JAXA. |
| Lander Details | Developed by ISRO. |
| Focus Areas | Permanently shadowed regions of the Moon. |
| Scientific Instruments | Ground-penetrating radar, mid-infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, PRATHIMA payload. |
| Future Implications | Supports sample return missions and human lunar landings by 2040. |
| Significance | Enhances international cooperation in lunar exploration. |