The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) began launch site assessments in Japan in late April 2026 for Chandrayaan-5, the Indian name for the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. The assessment covered Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre, which is the planned launch site for the mission.
Chandrayaan-5 and LUPEX
Chandrayaan-5 is a joint Indo-Japanese lunar mission between ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission plans to send an Indian-built lander and a Japanese-built rover to the Moon’s South Pole. The mission objective includes the search for water ice in the lunar polar region.
Launch Site Assessment at Tanegashima
The ISRO team visited Tanegashima Space Centre during 27–30 April 2026. The assessment examined launch infrastructure, technical compatibility, operational logistics, ground support systems, safety protocols, and environmental conditions for deep space missions.
Launch Vehicle and Mission Hardware
The mission is expected to launch no earlier than 2028 from Tanegashima using Japan’s H3 rocket. Officials from ISRO and JAXA discussed launch vehicle integration and ground support requirements during the visit.
India-Japan Space Cooperation
The Chandrayaan-5 mission follows technical meetings between ISRO and JAXA held over the previous year for design and planning work. India has carried out new engine tests for its lander, while Japan is developing a 350 kg rover capable of drilling nearly five feet into lunar soil.
Moon South Pole and Water Ice
The Moon’s South Pole contains permanently shadowed regions that are studied for the possible presence of water ice. LUPEX is one of the lunar missions planned for polar exploration and in-situ surface investigation.
Last Modified: April 30, 2026