December 6, 2017 (JST)

National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signed the Implementation Arrangement (IA) concerning joint study of Lunar Polar Exploration.
JAXA and ISRO signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration in space field in November 2016. Under this MOU, both agencies have been exploring the possibility of mutual cooperation in the field of lunar pole surface exploration.
Following the conclusion of the IA, JAXA and ISRO will jointly conduct feasibility study and draft a plan of the Joint Lunar Polar Exploration from both technical and scientific aspects.
The joint study will include possible mission objectives and operation concepts, and both agencies will work out the plan targeting the end of JFY 2018.