Chandrayaan-4 Mission of ISRO and JAXA, Complete Details

Chandrayaan-4 Mission

In order to launch the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), also known as the Chandryaan-4 Mission, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have teamed together. In 2026, the Indian Space Agency (ISRO) and Japanese Space Entity (JAXA) aim to launch the Chandryaan-4 Mission after the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, with this project India attained magnificent accomplishment in the Space Program.

The discovery of water on the moon could significantly impact space exploration in the future and provide an important resource for sustaining human presence on Earth’s lunar neighbour. The LUPEX is prepared to set new standards by offering specific responses to each of these questions.

Chandrayaan-4 Mission Details

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are planning a collaborative lunar mission called the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), also known as Chandrayaan-4. No sooner than 2026, the project would send an unmanned lunar lander and rover to investigate the area around the Moon’s south pole. The rover and the H3 launch vehicle, which is still under construction, are likely to be provided by JAXA, but the lander would be supplied by ISRO.

Background of Chandrayaan-4 Mission

In order to explore the polar regions of the Moon for water with a joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) that would be launched no earlier than 2025, ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed an Implementation Arrangement (IA) in December 2017 for pre-phase A, phase A study, and completed the feasibility report in March 2018.

In December 2018, ISRO and JAXA performed the Joint Mission Definition Review (JMDR). 2019 will see the completion of JAXA’s internal Project Readiness Review. India began researching a new lunar mission called Chandrayaan-3 as a follow-up attempt to show the landing capabilities required for the LUPEX after Chandrayaan-2’s lander crashed on the Moon during its landing attempt in September 2019.

Early in 2021, JAXA completed its domestic System Requirement Review (SRR). LUPEX Working Group 1 landed in India in April 2023 with the goal of exchanging information about command and telemetry ground antennas, methodologies for predicting the positions of landers and rovers on the moon, and landing site analysis on promising prospective sites.

Objective of Chandrayaan-4 Mission

The primary goal of the Chandrayaan-4 Mission is to provide a solution to one of lunar exploration’s most intriguing mysteries: whether or not the moon, Earth’s natural satellite, has water. The Chandrayaan-4 Mission’s main goal is to examine the lunar poles for the presence of water and its possible utility. These goals will be accomplished by the mission through two essential methods, which include figuring out how much and what kind of water is available on the moon.

The India-Japan collaborative mission makes use of the strengths of both countries to advance knowledge of lunar explorations and to provide an answer to one of the most significant and fascinating problems in lunar science.

Two Aspects of Chandrayaan-4 Mission

• Based on the current observational data, the Quantity Aspect aims to determine the actual amount of water in the projected areas. by gathering the ground truth information and in-situ measurements. The LUPEX will provide a crucial baseline for determining how much water can be obtained locally and how much has to be brought from Earth for upcoming lunar missions. The sustainability and economics of lunar exploration will change due to this data.
• The Quality Aspect uses in-situ observations in the polar regions of the moon to understand the distribution, circumstances, and shape of lunar water resources. For the purpose of using lunar water for support, propulsion, or shielding, it is essential to comprehend these factors.

How Chandryaan-4 Mission will achieve its objective?

The LUPEX will launch a cutting-edge spacecraft with thin-film solar cells and ultra-high-density energy storage to accomplish these goals. This will guarantee a continuous power supply even during lunar nights and in darkened places. The rover’s mobility and survivability in the lunar environment depend on this technological advancement.

The goal of LUPEX is to develop the science needed for surface investigation on low-gravity celestial planets. This includes finding ways to move around, perfecting systems for surviving the lunar night, and creating excavation methods for future mining operations. Future lunar activities will benefit from these technical developments, and they may also have an impact on trips to Mars and beyond.

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