space exploration•Fri, October 2, 2026•5 min read

India and Japan’s LUPEX Mission: The Hunt for Lunar Water

India and Japan are partnering on the LUPEX mission, a collaborative effort to explore the Moon's mysterious South Pole. By drilling into permanently shadowed regions, the mission aims to uncover the secrets of lunar water ice.

A New Chapter in Lunar Exploration

The global race to the Moon’s South Pole is heating up, and a powerful new partnership is preparing to take the lead. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), often referred to as Chandrayaan-5, represents a significant collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This uncrewed mission aims to go where few have ventured, targeting the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions to investigate the presence and quality of water ice.

The LUPEX rover is designed to operate in the extreme environment of the lunar South Pole.

Mission Objectives and Hardware

The mission, targeted for launch no earlier than 2028, leverages the unique strengths of both space agencies. JAXA will provide the H3-24L launch vehicle and a 350 kg lunar rover, while ISRO is responsible for the lunar lander. The rover is currently undergoing a redesign to manage weight and ensure it can withstand the extreme cold of the lunar night, utilizing a special insulation mechanism rather than traditional radioisotope heating units.

JAXA: Providing the H3-24L rocket and the lunar rover.
ISRO: Developing the lunar lander and contributing scientific instruments.
NASA & ESA: Providing additional scientific instrumentation.
Primary Goal: Locating and analyzing lunar water ice up to 3 meters below the surface.

Why the South Pole Matters

The lunar South Pole is a high-stakes scientific target due to its potential to harbor water ice in craters that have remained in shadow for eons. The LUPEX mission will deploy advanced tools, including an ISRO-provided ground-penetrating radar to map the subsurface structure, and a NASA-led neutron spectrometer to detect hydrogen—an indirect indicator of water. These findings are expected to be foundational for future long-term lunar habitation and deep space exploration.

The mission concept has been planned to last well over 100 days on the moon, allowing for extensive in-situ analysis of volatile materials.
— Mission Planning Documentation

Key Takeaways

LUPEX is a joint mission between ISRO and JAXA aiming for a 2028 launch.
The mission will land a rover in the Moon's South Pole region to hunt for water ice.
ISRO is building the lander, while JAXA is providing the rover and H3 launch vehicle.
Instruments from NASA and ESA will also be included in the scientific payload.
The rover will use advanced insulation to survive the frigid lunar night.

FAQ

What is the LUPEX mission?

LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration Mission) is a joint robotic mission by India's ISRO and Japan's JAXA to explore the Moon's South Pole.

When will LUPEX launch?

The mission is currently planned to launch no earlier than 2028.

What is the primary goal of LUPEX?

The main objective is to explore permanently shadowed regions of the Moon to determine the quantity and quality of water ice present there.

Who is building the rover for the mission?

JAXA is providing the 350 kg lunar rover, which is currently being manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.