LUPEX Mission

The LUPEX Mission (Lunar Polar Exploration) is a collaborative space mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This mission aims to explore the lunar south pole, focusing on understanding the presence of water and other valuable elements on the Moon's surface, particularly in the form of surface ice.

Key Objectives of the LUPEX Mission

1. Exploration of Lunar South Pole:

   • The primary goal is to explore the Moon’s southern polar region, which is believed to have areas where water may be present in the form of ice beneath the surface.

2. Technological Innovations in Surface Exploration:

   • LUPEX is designed to demonstrate advanced technologies for surface exploration, with a special emphasis on vehicular transport on the lunar surface and the survival of lunar night, which presents extreme cold temperatures.

3. Water and Element Search:

   • The mission will focus on the search for water ice, which could have major implications for future lunar exploration, potentially providing resources for astronauts on the Moon.

Mission Components

• The LUPEX mission will include a lander and a rover:

  • ISRO will develop and operate the lander that will carry the rover to the lunar surface.

  • JAXA will develop and operate the rover, which will carry out surface exploration.

Rover’s Role in the Mission

• Self-Driving Rover: The rover will be capable of driving on its own across the lunar surface to identify areas where water ice might be present.

• Soil Sampling: The rover will drill into the Moon’s surface (lunar regolith) to collect soil samples for analysis. This will help scientists study the water content and other key elements of the lunar surface.

• Advanced Instruments: The rover will be equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including:

  • Water content measurement: To detect the amount of water in the lunar soil.

  • Drilling and Sampling: To collect and analyze soil samples.

  • World-First Technologies: The rover will feature pioneering technologies, particularly in its driving system and batteries, crucial for operating in the harsh lunar environment.

International Collaboration

• The LUPEX mission will carry instruments not only from ISRO and JAXA, but also from other major space agencies:

  • NASA (United States)

  • ESA (European Space Agency)

This collaboration enhances the mission's scientific scope and technological capabilities, making it a truly global endeavor.

Conclusion

The LUPEX mission is an important step in both India's and Japan's ambitions for lunar exploration. By jointly developing and operating the Chandrayaan-5 mission, ISRO and JAXA will significantly contribute to the scientific community's understanding of the Moon's resources, particularly water, and demonstrate new technologies for future lunar missions. This mission is expected to lay the groundwork for future sustainable exploration of the Moon, as well as broader international collaboration in space research