What the Agreement Covers
India and Japan have formalized a new space research partnership that includes satellite development, launch coordination, and joint lunar exploration. The agreement was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), with support from both governments. The announcement coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tokyo, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss bilateral cooperation.
The partnership includes two major components. First, Japan’s Astroscale will launch its ISSA-J1 satellite aboard India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in 2027. This marks the first time a Japanese entity has procured a dedicated PSLV launch. The satellite will monitor space debris and conduct inspections of large objects in low Earth orbit. According to CNBC TV18, Astroscale selected India’s launch service after evaluating more than ten providers.
Second, India and Japan will collaborate on Chandrayaan-5, a lunar mission targeting the Moon’s south pole. Under the arrangement, JAXA will launch the mission using its H3-24L rocket, carrying an Indian-made lander and a Japanese rover. The mission aims to study volatile compounds in permanently shadowed regions, which may contain frozen water and other materials relevant to future space habitation. Details of the mission were shared by The New Indian Express.
Why the Partnership Matters
The agreement reflects growing cooperation between Asian space agencies and highlights the region’s expanding role in peaceful space exploration. India and Japan have previously collaborated on satellite data sharing and disaster monitoring, but this new partnership marks a shift toward joint mission planning and hardware integration.
The ISSA-J1 satellite, developed under Japan’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, will focus on space situational awareness. This includes tracking defunct satellites and debris to support safe navigation in orbit. As low Earth orbit becomes more crowded, monitoring systems like ISSA-J1 help reduce collision risks and support long-term sustainability.
The Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration), will explore areas of the Moon that remain permanently in shadow. These regions are considered scientifically valuable because they may contain preserved materials from the early solar system. The mission will use a combination of spectrometers and sensors to analyze surface and subsurface compounds. According to The Economic Times, the spacecraft will carry instruments from ISRO, JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
Both projects demonstrate how international collaboration can support scientific goals while reducing costs and technical risks. By sharing launch capabilities and research expertise, India and Japan aim to strengthen their positions in the global space community.
How the Missions Will Be Carried Out
The ISSA-J1 satellite is scheduled to launch in spring 2027 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. It will be carried aboard the PSLV, a rocket known for its reliability in placing satellites into low Earth orbit. Astroscale has also signed memorandums of understanding with Indian startups Bellatrix and Digantara to explore joint market opportunities.
The satellite will inspect two large pieces of space debris and provide data on their structure and behavior. This information will support future debris removal missions and help operators plan safe satellite maneuvers. The project is currently in the final design phase, with assembly and testing expected to begin soon.
Chandrayaan-5 will be launched aboard JAXA’s H3-24L rocket, which offers higher payload capacity and improved safety features. The Indian lander will carry a Japanese rover equipped to navigate the Moon’s polar terrain. Scientific instruments will analyze water content, soil composition, and other surface features. The mission is planned to last 100 days, with the possibility of extension based on operational conditions.
ISRO and JAXA will coordinate mission planning, data sharing, and public outreach. Both agencies have committed to transparency and open access to research findings. The partnership also includes training exchanges and joint workshops for engineers and scientists.
What This Means for Regional and Global Cooperation
The India-Japan space partnership reflects broader trends in international collaboration. As more countries invest in space research, joint missions offer a way to share costs, reduce duplication, and accelerate innovation. The agreement also supports peaceful uses of outer space, in line with United Nations guidelines.
For Asia, the partnership signals a shift toward regional leadership in space science. India’s experience with lunar missions and satellite launches complements Japan’s expertise in robotics and deep-space instrumentation. Together, the two countries can contribute to global efforts in planetary science, climate monitoring, and orbital safety.
The collaboration may also encourage other countries to join future missions. Both ISRO and JAXA have expressed interest in expanding partnerships with agencies in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Shared research platforms and open data policies can help build trust and support inclusive participation.
Prime Minister Modi described the agreement as a step toward “deepening our understanding of the Moon’s most mysterious regions” during his interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun. He emphasized that space cooperation between India and Japan is creating an ecosystem where innovation flows between labs, launch pads, and real-world applications.
The next phase of the partnership will include joint research on planetary geology, satellite navigation, and climate modeling. Both countries are expected to announce additional projects during the 2026 Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Summit in Kyoto.
