Daily Current Affairs : 18-May-2024
The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a groundbreaking space assignment set to release inside the coming years. This project is a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), two of Asia’s leading space organizations. The aim of LUPEX is to explore the surface of the Moon, especially the lunar poles, and to search for subsurface water. The mission is anticipated to provide new insights into the Moon’s resources and its potential for future human exploration.
Key Objectives of LUPEX
The primary goals of the LUPEX mission include:
- Exploration of the Lunar Surface: The mission will focus on studying the surface of the Moon, especially in the regions around the lunar poles.
- Search for Water: One of the main objectives is to investigate the presence of water beneath the lunar surface, particularly in permanently shadowed areas. Water is crucial for future human exploration, as it can be used for drinking, as well as for producing oxygen and hydrogen.
Contributions by ISRO and JAXA
Both ISRO and JAXA are playing key roles in the mission:
- ISRO’s Role: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is responsible for developing and building the lander that will safely deliver the mission’s equipment to the Moon’s surface.
- JAXA’s Role: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is tasked with designing the rover that will move across the lunar surface and carry out scientific experiments. JAXA will also provide the launch vehicle to carry the spacecraft into space.
International Collaboration
In addition to ISRO and JAXA, the mission will include contributions from other space agencies, such as:
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): NASA will provide several scientific instruments to enhance the mission’s research capabilities.
- ESA (European Space Agency): ESA will also contribute instruments to the mission, expanding its scientific potential.
Importance of LUPEX
The LUPEX mission holds significant scientific and technological importance. By focusing on the lunar poles, scientists hope to gather valuable data about the Moon’s resources, particularly water, which could be vital for future space missions. The collaboration between ISRO, JAXA, NASA, and ESA demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, combining the best technologies and expertise from various countries to further our understanding of the Moon and space.
Important Points:
LUPEX Mission Overview:
- The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a joint space mission between ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan).
- The mission aims to explore the Moon’s surface, particularly the lunar poles, and search for subsurface water.
- LUPEX is expected to provide valuable insights into the Moon’s resources and its potential for future human exploration.
Key Objectives of LUPEX:
- Exploration of the Lunar Surface: Focus on studying the Moon’s surface, especially around the lunar poles.
- Search for Water: Investigate the presence of water beneath the lunar surface, particularly in permanently shadowed regions. Water is vital for future human exploration.
Roles of ISRO and JAXA:
- ISRO’s Contribution: Developing and building the lander to deliver equipment to the Moon’s surface.
- JAXA’s Contribution: Designing the rover that will move across the lunar surface and conduct scientific experiments. JAXA will also provide the launch vehicle.
International Collaboration:
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): Contributing several scientific instruments to enhance the mission’s research potential.
- ESA (European Space Agency): Providing additional instruments to expand the mission’s scientific scope.
Importance of the LUPEX Mission:
- Focus on lunar poles to discover new resources, especially water, crucial for future space missions.
- Highlights the significance of international cooperation in space exploration.
- ISRO, JAXA, NASA, and ESA working together to push the boundaries of space science and exploration.
Potential Impact:
- LUPEX will provide critical information about the Moon’s resources, which could play a key role in future lunar exploration and human missions.
- The mission demonstrates the power of global collaboration in space exploration and research.
Why In News
The India-Japan joint moon mission, the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), is expected to launch in the coming years, marking a significant step in international space exploration. This mission will pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries about the Moon’s resources, particularly water, which could play a crucial role in future human space missions.
MCQs about India-Japan Joint Moon Mission
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What is the primary goal of the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)?
A. To launch a satellite to orbit the Earth
B. To explore the surface of Mars
C. To explore the Moon’s surface, especially the lunar poles, and search for water
D. To create a permanent human colony on the Moon
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Which space agencies are involved in the LUPEX mission?
A. ISRO and NASA only
B. ISRO, JAXA, NASA, and ESA
C. NASA and ESA only
D. JAXA and ESA only
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What role does ISRO play in the LUPEX mission?
A. Designing the rover for the lunar surface
B. Building the launch vehicle for the mission
C. Developing and constructing the lander
D. Providing scientific instruments
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Why is the search for water on the Moon significant for future space exploration?
A. Water on the Moon will be used for constructing lunar bases
B. Water can be used for drinking, as well as producing oxygen and hydrogen
C. Water will serve as fuel for lunar spacecraft
D. Water is required for growing crops on the Moon
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