The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing its most ambitious lunar mission yet — Chandrayaan-4 — which aims to bring back samples from the Moon’s surface to Earth. This mission will mark a historic achievement in India’s space program and position the nation among an elite group of countries that have successfully carried out lunar sample-return missions.
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Chandrayaan-4: Mission Purpose and Scientific Goals
Chandrayaan-4’s primary objective is to collect lunar rocks and soil and return them to Earth for scientific analysis. This will allow Indian scientists to study the Moon’s composition, origin, and geological history in far greater detail than ever before. It will also provide important clues about the formation of the Moon and early Solar System.
The mission plans to return up to about 2–3 kilograms of lunar material from a region near the Shiv Shakti landing site, the successful landing site of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole. If successful, India will join only the United States, Russia, and China in achieving this major scientific breakthrough.
🚀 Launch Timeline and Approval
The Government of India has approved Chandrayaan-4 and set a targeted launch date around 2028. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that both Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 have received formal approval and are expected to launch by 2028.
This approval reflects India’s growing ambition in space science and its commitment to not only study celestial bodies but also return valuable samples to Earth for detailed research.
Mission Design and Modules
Chandrayaan-4 is more complex than earlier lunar missions because it must land on the Moon, collect samples, and safely return them to Earth. To accomplish this, the mission will use multiple spacecraft modules and launch vehicles, likely involving at least two separate launches.
Here’s how the mission will work:
- Propulsion Module (PM) – Carries the other modules from Earth orbit to lunar orbit.
- Descender Module (DM) – Soft-lands on the Moon’s surface and collects lunar samples using robotic arms and drills.
- Ascender Module (AM) – Lifts off from the Moon carrying the collected samples.
- Transfer Module (TM) – Captures the Ascender Module in lunar orbit and prepares for return to Earth.
- Re-entry Module (RM) – Enters Earth’s atmosphere and lands safely with the lunar samples.
This multi-stage operation, including orbital docking and precise re-entry, makes Chandrayaan-4 one of the most technically challenging projects ISRO has undertaken.
Scientific Importance
By returning pristine lunar samples, Chandrayaan-4 will allow scientists to study surface composition, mineralogy, and possible water-ice presence in more sophisticated laboratories on Earth. These samples can reveal new insights into the Moon’s internal structure, volcanic history, and potential resources.
This detailed study will also help scientists compare Earth and Moon materials, improving our understanding of how the Moon formed and evolved over billions of years.
Technological Advancements & Global Impact
Chandrayaan-4 will demonstrate advanced technologies including soft-landing precision, sample collection and storage, lunar ascent, orbital rendezvous, and safe Earth return. Mastering these technologies is essential for future human missions to the Moon.
The success of this mission will establish India as a leader in lunar exploration and set the stage for future missions, including Chandrayaan-5 and the long-term goal of landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.
Preparation & National Benefits
ISRO is also expanding its spacecraft production capabilities and planning numerous launches in the coming years. The agency aims to boost spacecraft manufacturing output to support Chandrayaan-4 and other ambitious missions such as the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (India’s space station) and the Venus Orbiter Mission, which have also received government approval and funding.
The mission’s development will further strengthen India’s space technology infrastructure, create high-skill jobs, and enhance international scientific collaboration.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-4 stands as a milestone in India’s space exploration journey. By planning to collect lunar soil and rocks and return them to Earth, ISRO is pushing the boundaries of science and engineering. This mission will provide crucial data for lunar science, elevate India’s status among global space powers, and inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and students across the nation.
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