Chandrayaan-4

March 22, 2025

Chandrayaan-4 is India’s fourth lunar mission, set to launch in October 2027. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to achieve a remarkable feat by not only soft landing on the Moon but also collecting lunar samples and returning them to Earth. This mission represents advancement in India’s space exploration capabilities.

Mission Details

Chandrayaan-4 will consist of two crafts, each weighing approximately 4,750 kg. Instead of a single massive craft, ISRO will use two LVM3 rockets for launch. The mission will involve intricate docking and undocking procedures in space, enhancing India’s technological expertise.

Funding and Goals

The Indian Government has allocated Rs 2,104 crores (around $240 million) for this mission. The primary objective is to collect samples from the Moon’s southern polar regions, an area of great scientific interest. This mission aims to join the ranks of the USA, Russia, and China, which have successfully conducted lunar sample return missions.

Importance of Lunar Samples

Lunar samples provide invaluable data for scientific research. While robotic crafts can conduct in-situ studies, they are limited in the equipment they can carry. Returning samples to Earth allows for advanced analysis in sophisticated laboratories, leading to a deeper understanding of the Moon’s composition and history.

Technological Innovations

Chandrayaan-4 will demonstrate new technologies, including a Surface Sampling Robot and a drilling mechanism. These advancements will enable the collection of both surface and sub-surface samples. The mission aims to be self-reliant, with all critical technologies developed domestically.

Mission Components and Operations

The mission consists of five modules – the Ascender Module (AM), Descender Module (DM), Re-entry Module (RM), Transfer Module (TM), and Propulsion Module (PM). After launching, the crafts will dock in an elliptical Earth orbit to form an integrated craft. The DM and AM will then perform a powered descent to land on the Moon.

Sample Collection Process

Upon landing, the DM will deploy a robotic arm to scoop lunar samples. A drilling mechanism will gather sub-surface materials. The samples will be securely stored in containers to prevent contamination during their return journey to Earth.

Return Journey to Earth

After sample collection, the AM will ascend to lunar orbit and transfer samples to the RM. The TM and RM will then undock and perform manoeuvres to return to Earth. The RM will separate and execute a ballistic re-entry, landing safely on Earth.

Future Implications

Chandrayaan-4 is expected to pave the way for future manned missions to the Moon. It will also encourage skill development and create employment opportunities in India’s space sector. The mission will enhance the capabilities required for landing Indian astronauts on the Moon in the future.

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