ISRO has announced exciting updates for Chandrayaan-5, India’s next lunar mission. The spacecraft will feature a heavier lander and longer mission life, as revealed by ISRO chief Dr. V. Narayanan during a press briefing on March 12, 2026. This follows the success of Chandrayaan-4, which demonstrated key technologies for future Moon exploration. The new lander, named after scientist Tessy Thomas, will weigh about 2,500 kg—nearly double the 1,350 kg of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander. This upgrade allows it to carry more scientific instruments and a bigger rover for collecting lunar soil samples from the Moon’s south pole. The mission life extends to 14 Earth days (one lunar day), up from Chandrayaan-3’s 12-14 days, thanks to improved solar panels and better thermal protection against extreme cold.
Chandrayaan-5 aims to return samples to Earth, a first for India, building on NASA’s Artemis program collaborations. Launch is planned for 2028 via GSLV Mk-III from Sriharikota, with a budget of around Rs. 3,500 crore. The mission includes six payloads: three on the orbiter, two on the lander, and one rover experiment. This positions India as a leader in affordable lunar science, after Chandrayaan-3’s historic soft landing in 2023.
The announcement boosts national pride amid growing private space involvement from firms like Skyroot and Agnikul. ISRO’s focus on heavier hardware ensures safer landings and richer data on water ice and minerals, aiding future human Moon bases.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is Chandrayaan-5?
India’s sample return mission to Moon’s south pole with heavier lander and extended life, launching in 2028.
2. Why heavier lander?
2,500 kg design carries more instruments and rover for better sample collection and safer landing.
3. What is mission life?
14 Earth days on lunar surface, improved by advanced solar and thermal systems.
4. When and how launch?
2028 via GSLV Mk-III from Sriharikota, budget Rs.3,500 crore.
*(Image Source- Millennium Post)