25th September 2023, Mumbai: India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which included a crucial hop experiment by the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, is shaping the future of Indian lunar exploration. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now focusing on missions capable of returning samples from the Moon. While there is no specific timeline for this ambitious endeavor, ISRO is gradually developing the necessary systems and technologies.
Chandrayaan-3 is part of a broader plan
The recent hop experiment, where the Vikram lander elevated itself by about 40 cm and safely landed again, was a significant milestone in demonstrating the ability to take off from the Moon’s surface. This experiment is considered essential for future lunar missions, particularly those involving sample return. The hop experiment conducted during Chandrayaan-3 is part of a broader plan to eventually bring lunar samples back to Earth. Few countries have achieved the capability to launch from another celestial body, making this experiment a crucial step in India’s lunar exploration efforts.
ISRO is also collaborating with Japan
ISRO is also collaborating with Japan on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) project, aimed at exploring the Moon’s polar regions for water and other resources. This international initiative involves Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) leading the lunar rover development, while ISRO is responsible for the lander that will transport the rover. Additionally, observation instruments from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) will be mounted on the rover.
LUPEX Project
The LUPEX project is driven by the possibility of finding water in the lunar polar regions, which could serve as a valuable resource for future lunar activities, including potential human missions. As ISRO continues to expand its expertise in lunar exploration, these collaborative efforts and successful experiments pave the way for more ambitious lunar missions in the future.
By Yashika Desai