Indian Space Research Organisation is developing a new lunar lander in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy

Indian Space Research Organisation is developing a new lunar lander in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy

¨     Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a new lunar lander in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 2026.

¨     The project aims to extend the lander’s operational life on the Moon from about 14 days (Chandrayaan-3) to 100–200 days.

¨     A lunar day and a lunar night each last about 14 Earth days.

¨     During the lunar night, temperatures can fall below –100°C, creating a major engineering challenge for lunar missions.

¨     ISRO is developing artificial heating systems to help the lander survive the long and extremely cold lunar night.

¨     These heating systems will protect the lander’s electronics, batteries, and scientific instruments.

¨     The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole on 23 August 2023.

¨     Vikram operated for one lunar day and relied on solar power for its surface mission.

¨     The new lander is expected to improve the duration, reliability, and scientific output of future Indian lunar missions.