Which of the following statements regarding India's Chandrayaan missions are correct?

1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008) successfully conducted chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.

2. Chandrayaan-2 (2019) was 98% successful, with only minor setbacks in the final stages, but its onboard high-resolution camera continues to send images.

3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023) successfully achieved a soft landing on the South Pole of the Moon with the Vikram lander.

4. Chandrayaan-4 (expected in 2027) aims to bring lunar samples back to Earth.

5. Chandrayaan-5, approved recently, will be a joint mission with Japan and carry a 250-kg rover.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

In News

•  The Government of India has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, which will carry a 250-kg rover in collaboration with Japan. This comes after the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and ongoing preparations for Chandrayaan-4, which aims to return lunar samples to Earth.

Key Points

• India's first Moon mission conducted chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the lunar surface.
  • It confirmed the presence of water molecules on the Moon, a groundbreaking discovery.
  • Hence, Point 1 is correct.
• The mission was 98% successful, but the Vikram lander crash-landed in the final stages.
  • However, the orbiter remains fully operational, with its high-resolution camera sending valuable images.
  • Hence, Point 2 is correct.
• The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023.
  • This made India the first country to land near the lunar South Pole.
  • Hence, Point 3 is correct.
• Planned for 2027, this mission aims to collect lunar samples and bring them back to Earth, marking India's first sample-return mission.
  • Hence, Point 4 is correct.
  • Recently approved, Chandrayaan-5 will carry a 250-kg rover for advanced lunar exploration.
• It will be conducted in collaboration with Japan, significantly enhancing India’s lunar research capabilities.
  • Hence, Point 5 is correct.

Additional Information

• Chandrayaan-3’s success demonstrated India’s ability to land and operate on the Moon.
• Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 aim to expand India’s lunar exploration capabilities through sample return and international collaboration. 
• ISRO is now developing more advanced rovers and landers for deep space exploration.