Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved by the Centre: A Major Leap in Lunar Exploration

India’s space ambitions have reached new heights with the approval of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, announced by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on March 16, 2025. This mission will be executed in collaboration with Japan and aims to conduct an advanced study of the Moon’s surface. Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which carried the 25 kg rover ‘Pragyan’, Chandrayaan-5 will deploy a heavier 250 kg rover, enhancing India’s lunar exploration capabilities.

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

Chandrayaan Mission Timeline

Objectives of Chandrayaan-5

• Conduct detailed mineralogical and geological analysis of the Moon’s surface.
• Deploy a heavier rover (250 kg) for in-depth exploration.
• Enhance India’s lunar technology and scientific capabilities.
  Strengthen international collaboration 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.