Bengaluru: India is gearing up for another leap in space exploration with the Chandrayaan-4 mission, recently approved by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This mission will push the boundaries of India’s lunar exploration, focusing on both a successful lunar landing and the safe return of moon samples to Earth.
According to the report, the core objective of Chandrayaan-4 is to develop and demonstrate critical technologies that will pave the way for future space missions. Among these are the sophisticated procedures of docking and undocking in space, advanced landing systems, and technologies that allow for the safe collection and return of lunar material. This mission serves as a significant milestone in India’s broader space ambitions, setting the stage for a manned lunar landing targeted for 2040.
The Chandrayaan-4 project is also part of a broader vision that includes establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035. Following the successful Chandrayaan-3 soft landing, Chandrayaan-4 will capitalize on these achievements, focusing on areas like safe lunar retrieval and deep space exploration, as per the report.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will take the lead in designing and executing the Chandrayaan-4 mission. The project, expected to be completed within 36 months, will involve significant collaboration with industry and academic institutions. This collaboration will not only drive technological progress but also generate employment opportunities within the sector.
With a budget of ₹2,104.06 crore, the mission covers spacecraft development, two LVM3 launch vehicles, and support from India’s deep space network. Special design validation tests will ensure that the mission’s objectives are met, including the establishment of facilities to curate and analyze lunar samples, which will become a vital national asset.
Chandrayaan-4 symbolizes India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its position in the global space exploration community. The mission will contribute to the country’s technological and scientific progress, marking another significant step in India’s space journey.