Press Release on the New Chandrayaan Mission

In relation to the new lunar mission, ISRO released a detailed press statement today, outlining a launch plan for the middle of next year. The primary objective of this mission is to conduct a detailed geological survey of the lunar surface and identify potential water sources. ISRO's leading scientists stated that the mission will deploy several advanced instruments, including the latest infrared spectrometer, lander, and rover, which will provide data never before seen in the lunar southern polar regions. ISRO also clarified that to ensure the mission's success, India has strengthened technical cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan's JAXA, enabling the shared use of scientific data at the international level.

In the past decade, India has made remarkable progress in lunar exploration, from Chandrayaan‑1 to Chandrayaan‑3, which has made the country self‑reliant in space and secured a prominent position on the world stage. The new lunar mission is seen as a continuation of these achievements, and according to ISRO, it will lay the scientific groundwork necessary for the future construction of potential lunar infrastructure—such as a lunar base or mining facilities. The government has prioritized this mission under the National Science and Technology Policy, ensuring that not only the scientific community but also Indian industry and the startup ecosystem will have opportunities to develop new technologies. ISRO stated that a dedicated command center has been established to monitor all phases of the mission, and the public will also be given the opportunity to participate in this journey through live broadcasts.