Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)

Current Context: According to Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), India-Japan partnership for their joint moon mission, Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), is likely to take flight in few Years.

• It is a first attempt of JAXA to send a large rover to the moon.
• OBJECTIVE : to explore the lunar surface and search for subsurface water on the moon.
• Also investigate its quantity, distribution on the lunar surface and below ground, and form, such as the level of mixing with dry regolith, the layer of loose unconsolidated rock and dust that sits atop a layer of bedrock.
• JAXA has the other objective to demonstrate exploration technology for activities on the surface of a gravitational body.
• In Joint Mission ISRO is responsible for developing the lander, and JAXA is responsible for procuring the rover and launch vehicle.