LUPEX Mission: ISRO set to take big step with JAXA | Tech News

LUPEX Mission: ISRO set to take big step with JAXA

ISRO and JAXA are working on a lunar mission together also known as Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX).

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Nov 27 2023, 17:31 IST
Chandrayaan-3 mission: Know all about the Science results; many firsts recorded by ISRO
LUPEX
1/5 The first Chandrayaan-3 mission science was carried out in the form of observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander which recorded the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths. This was recorded by the probe's penetration tool. According to ISRO, this is the first such profile of the lunar south pole.  (ISRO)
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2/5 The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument mounted on Chandrayaan-3 missions Pragyan Rover made the first-ever in-situ measurements of the elemental composition of the lunar surface near the south pole. These in-situ measurements confirmed the presence of Sulphur (S) in the region. As mentioned on the ISRO website, it is something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters. (REUTERS)
LUPEX
3/5 The APXS of the Chandrayaan-3 rover detected the presence of minor elements including Sulfur, apart from the major expected elements such as Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, and Iron. According to the ISRO, the APXS instrument is best suited for in-situ analysis of the elemental composition of soil and rocks on the surface of planetary bodies having less amount of atmosphere, such as the Moon. (ISRO)
LUPEX
4/5 First in-situ measurements of the surface-bound Lunar plasma environment over the south polar region were carried out by the RAMBHA-LP payload mounted on Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram Lander. The initial assessment of the measurements indicated that the plasma surrounding the lunar surface is relatively sparse. Apart from this, The ILSA payload on the Vikram Lander recorded the vibrations occurring due to the movements of Pragyan Rover and other payloads. (ISRO twitter)
LUPEX
5/5 Scientists from NRSC/ISRO estimate that about 2.06 tonnes of lunar epiregolith were ejected and displaced over an area of 108.4 m² around the landing site. Notably, these Chandrayaan-3 mission Science results can have a major impact on future lunar missions and ISRO can ensure success on their basis. (ANI)
LUPEX
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With the LUPEX mission, ISRO and JAXA aim to gather data on the quantity and forms of water present on the lunar surface. (JAXA)

After the grand success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, India is paving the way for its next lunar mission. ISRO is working in collaboration with the Japanese space agency JAXA to carry out the next moon mission called the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX). Earlier this new misison was being referred to as the Chandrayaan-4 mission in many reports, but now, it has been clarified that both are different. Know all about this upcoming India-Japan lunar mission that will enrich the country's knowledge about its 'natural' satellite.

LUPEX mission

The LUPEX mission is currently said to be in its planning stage. According to the official website of the Japanese space agency, “JAXA is working with ISRO to plan an international collaborative mission to obtain the data on the quantity and forms of the water resources present on the Moon, in order to determine the feasibility of utilizing such resources for sustainable space exploration activities in the future.”

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Other goals of the mission mentioned by JAXA is to improve the technology needed to explore the surface to support future lunar activities including technology for mobility, lunar night survival and mining excavation. This can help ISRO and JAXA scientists to get a better understanding of the evolution of the Moon.

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According to the information gathered from JAXA, LUPEX could get a payload mass of above 350 kg including a rover. Notably, the weight of the Chandrayaan-3 mission's rover 'Pragyan', was only 26 kg.

To launch this mission, an H3 rocket would be used as a launch vehicle. The investigation area will be selected on the basis of unique environmental and geological conditions. The mission's lander will land at a location where there are long sunlight hours so that the rover can be deployed there for a long period of time. This is to ensure that as many studies are carried out before the long lunar night shrouds the area.

The LUPEX mission will explore the permanently shadowed areas at the lunar south pole as it is believed that there is a presence of ice and minerals.

The ISRO-JAXA collaboration in space missions can provide scientists with multiple opportunities to try different technologies and share ideas. This can enhance the chances of success of the mission.

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First Published Date: 25 Nov, 08:59 IST
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