National Space Panel Clears India’s 5th Lunar Mission ‘Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)’.
- LUPEX will be a precursor to the country’s lunar sample return mission and for sending the first Indian to the moon by 2040.
About LUPEX Mission
- Purpose: It will investigate the quantity and quality of water on the Moon and is envisaged to explore the dark side of the moon.
- Dark side of the moon refers to the ‘Far side’ of the moon as it is never visible from the Earth due to the ‘Tidal Locking’ of the Moon with the Earth.
- International collaboration project: ISRO is in charge of the lunar rover and Japan’s JAXA is responsible for the lander.
- Observation instruments from NASA and the ESA will also be mounted on the rover.
- Landing Location: Landing point will be the south pole of the moon as this area is believed to have a high-water potential.
