India’s space ambitions are hitting new milestones with the announcement of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, made by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on March 16, 2025. This mission will be carried out in partnership with Japan and aims to conduct a thorough examination of the Moon’s surface. In a departure from Chandrayaan-3, which included the 25 kg rover ‘Pragyan’, Chandrayaan-5 will deploy a more powerful 250 kg rover, taking India’s lunar exploration to the next level.
Key Highlights of Chandrayaan-5 Mission
General Information
- Approved: March 13, 2025
- Announced by: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan
- Collaboration: India (ISRO) and Japan (JAXA)
- Objective: Detailed study of the Moon’s surface
- Rover Weight: 250 kg (10 times heavier than Chandrayaan-3’s rover ‘Pragyan’)
- Focus Area: Advanced mineralogical and geological analysis
Objectives of Chandrayaan-5
• Dive deep into the mineral and geological makeup of the Moon’s surface.
• Send out a more robust rover (weighing 250 kg) for thorough exploration.
• Boost India’s lunar technology and scientific expertise.
• Foster stronger international partnerships with Japan.
Future Plans of ISRO
- Chandrayaan-4 (2027): To bring lunar soil samples to Earth.
- Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first manned mission to space.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station: India’s own space station by 2035.
