New Delhi: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has signed an implementing agreement (IA) with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to include the latter’s Neutron Spectrometer payload on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) rover, which is headed to the south pole of the Moon. The Chandrayaan 5/LUPEX mission is a collaboration between ISRO and JAXA, where ISRO will be providing the lander, while JAXA will be providing the LUPEX rover and the rocket. The LUPEX rover will be carrying instruments from ISRO, JAXA, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), making the Chandrayaan 5/LUPEX mission a truly international one.

The neutron spectrometer is designed to detect hydrogen beneath the lunar surface, which is a key indication of water ice. By measuring the variation in the neutron flux from the lunar regolith, the instrument allows for high-resolution detection of the potential for subsurface deposits of water ice. Scientists believe that water delivered to the Moon by icy body impacts in the infancy of the Solar System remains as ice close to or at the surface in the permanently shadowed craters peppering the highlands around the south pole of the Moon. The LUPEX rover will be prospecting for water ice, and attempt to mine it.

Understanding Lunar Water Resources

The data from the neutron spectrometer will be analysed along with a diverse set of measurements acquired by other instruments on board the rover. The mission is expected to provide critical insights into the abundance and distribution of water on the Moon, and the knowledge is expected to guide future exploration of the Moon by all nations, including NASA’s Ambitious Artemis programme. As part of the agreement, NASA will also provide its Deep Space Network (DSN) to support the operations of the LUPEX rover. ISRO and JAXA plan to launch the Chandrayaan 5/LUPEX mission in the 2028-29 time frame.