India-Japan Lunar Polar Exploration Mission: The Search for Water Ice on the Moon's South Pole

Nov 20, 2025 11:12 pm CST

India and Japan are partnering on the ambitious Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX/Chandrayaan-5) to search for water ice at the Moon's South Pole. Scheduled for 2028, this collaborative effort combines ISRO's proven landing technology with Japan's advanced H3 rocket and a 350kg rover designed to operate for 100 days in extreme lunar conditions. If successful, this mission could enable permanent human presence on the Moon by providing essential water resources for survival and rocket fuel production.