Chandrayaan-4 mission to demonstrate technologies for safe return from Moon

India last week announced four planned space missions, including one to planet Venus, a fourth mission to Moon and building an Indian Space Station and finally taking an Indian to and from the Moon – all to be achieved by 2040.

The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval to Chandrayaan-4, which will demonstrate the technologies for a successful return to Earth after collecting samples from the Moon.

Chandrayaan-4 mission will act as the technology base for the eventual landing of an Indian on the Moon and safe return to Earth.

Government has indicated Rs2,104.96 crore spending on the `Chandrayaan-4’ technology demonstration mission. 

India will also have its own space platform, Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) by 2035. 

The government envisages a series of developmental missions to space and Moon - Gaganyaans and Chandrayans - ahead of the manned mission to Moon by 2040.

The Amrit Kaal (ie, until 2047) will also see the development of space transportation and infrastructure capabilities to realise the planned missions. 

India has already demonstrated the capability for a soft landing on the Lunar surface with the Chandrayaan-3 Lander and has acquired the required technology base for repeat missions. Landing safely on the moon and returning to earth after collecting samples from Moon is the next stage in technology development for successful missions in future.

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has been tasked with the entire projects, including development of the spacecraft and the launch vehicle as well as the final launch and tracking and control operations.

Isro will take support from Indian industry, including minor, small and medium industries, for fast-tracking the projects.

Chandrayaan-4 mission is expected to be completed within 36 months of approval.

The participation of industry in the mission will help generate have high employment potential with technology spin-off benefits for the economy.

The mission will also make India self-sufficient in critical space technologies enabling it to undertake manned missions and exploration studies.

Isro has already initiated discussions with industry partners and academia through meetings and workshops for associating them with the Chandrayaan-4 mission.