Chennai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, V. Narayanan, announced that the Centre has approved the ambitious Chandrayaan-5 mission to further explore the Moon.
Speaking at an event in Chennai to mark his appointment as the Chairman of ISRO, Narayanan revealed that Chandrayaan-5 will feature significant advancements over its predecessors.
Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which carried the 25-kg rover ‘Pragyan,’ Chandrayaan-5 will deploy a larger 250-kg rover to conduct an extensive study of the Moon’s surface.
Narayanan provided a brief overview of the Chandrayaan program, noting its achievements and future goals.
Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, successfully performed chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, achieved 98% of its objectives, with only a minor setback during the lander’s final stages.
Despite this, the onboard high-resolution camera of Chandrayaan-2 continues to send valuable images from the lunar orbit.
Chandrayaan-3, a follow-up mission, demonstrated India’s capability for a safe lunar landing.
The mission achieved a historic milestone when its lander, Vikram, successfully executed a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023.
“Just three days ago, we received approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, which will be conducted in collaboration with Japan,” Narayanan announced.
He also mentioned the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, expected to launch in 2027, with a focus on bringing lunar samples back to Earth—a first for India.
Beyond the Chandrayaan series, Narayanan highlighted ISRO’s future endeavours, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and plans to establish India’s own space station, named the Bharatiya Space Station.
