The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission on 18 September 2024. This mission aims to collect lunar samples from the moon and bring them back to Earth. If successful, India will join the ranks of the USA, Russia, and China, the only countries to have achieved this feat.
Key Details About Chandrayaan-4 Mission
The Chandrayaan-4 mission is led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With a budget of Rs 2,104.06 crore, the mission will be completed within 36 months. The primary goal is to collect samples from the moon’s surface and demonstrate technologies for landing and returning Indian astronauts safely from the moon by 2040.
Importance of India’s Lunar Mission
Chandrayaan-4 is a vital step toward India’s goal of sending astronauts to the moon. It will test crucial technologies like lunar landing, safe return to Earth, and lunar sample collection. This mission paves the way for India’s ambitious space projects, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and a human mission to the moon by 2040.
ISRO’s Role in the Chandrayaan-4 Mission
ISRO, which successfully launched Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3, is responsible for developing the Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft and launch. The technologies needed for the mission will be developed domestically, with support from Indian industry and academia.
Global Impact of Chandrayaan-4
Internationally, this mission will strengthen India’s position in space exploration. Nationally, it boosts India’s space capabilities, providing opportunities for the country’s private and academic sectors to contribute. The success of Chandrayaan-4 could lead to further missions, such as the Venus Orbiter Mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Summary of India’s Lunar Mission:
- Goal: Collect lunar samples and develop technologies for a future human mission to the moon.
- Budget: Rs 2,104.06 crore.
- Timeline: 36 months.
- ISRO’s Role: Lead the mission with domestic support.
Future Plans: Human moon landing by 2040.
Chandrayaan-4 will collect lunar samples and test technologies for landing and returning Indian astronauts from the moon.
The budget for the mission is Rs 2,104.06 crore.
The mission is expected to be completed within 36 months.
India aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2040 and build a space station by 2035.
ISRO will lead the mission with support from Indian industry and academia.
