Chandrayaan-5: ISRO’s biggest moon rover mission gets government approval

Chandrayaan-5: ISRO’s biggest moon rover mission gets government approval

In a major boost to India’s space ambitions, the Centre has given the green light for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, a groundbreaking step in lunar exploration. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan confirmed the development, marking another milestone in the country's incredible space journey.

Speaking at a felicitation event, Narayanan revealed that Chandrayaan-5 will be a game-changer, carrying a massive 250 kg rover—a significant upgrade from the 25 kg ‘Pragyan’ rover used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This next-gen rover is set to conduct an in-depth study of the Moon’s surface like never before.

India’s lunar exploration program has been on a remarkable trajectory since Chandrayaan-1 (2008), which pioneered chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 (2019), despite facing challenges in its final moments, was deemed a 98% success, with its high-resolution camera still transmitting invaluable lunar images to this day.

Chandrayaan-3, launched in August 2023, made history by successfully landing the Vikram lander at the Moon’s South Pole—a feat that solidified India’s prowess in space exploration.

Narayanan also confirmed that Chandrayaan-5 will be developed in collaboration with Japan, emphasizing global partnerships in India’s space advancements. Meanwhile, Chandrayaan-4, set for a 2027 launch, will take lunar exploration to another level by bringing back samples from the Moon—a first for India.

But that’s not all—ISRO is setting its sights even higher! Apart from key projects like Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission, plans are in motion to establish Bharatiya Space Station, India's very own independent space station in the coming years.