India is set to make history with Chandrayaan-4, its fourth lunar mission, scheduled for launch in October 2027. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission aims to achieve a soft landing on the Moon while also collecting and returning lunar samples to Earth. This ambitious project underscores India’s growing expertise in space exploration.
Mission Architecture
Chandrayaan-4 will employ a dual-spacecraft system, each weighing around 4,750 kg. Unlike previous missions that relied on a single launch vehicle, ISRO will deploy two LVM3 rockets to transport the crafts. A key highlight of the mission is its complex docking and undocking sequences in space, which will significantly enhance India’s technological prowess.
Budget and Scientific Objectives of Chandrayaan-4
The Indian government has sanctioned Rs 2,104 crores ($240 million) for the mission. Chandrayaan-4’s primary goal is to retrieve samples from the Moon’s southern polar region, an area of high scientific interest. With this feat, India aims to join an elite club of nations—the USA, Russia, and China—that have successfully conducted lunar sample return missions.
Significance of Lunar Samples
Lunar samples are critical to advancing scientific research. While robotic instruments can perform on-site analysis, their capabilities are inherently limited. Bringing samples back to Earth enables scientists to conduct sophisticated studies in cutting-edge laboratories, offering deeper insights into the Moon’s composition and history.
Cutting-Edge Technologies
Chandrayaan-4 will incorporate innovative technologies, including a Surface Sampling Robot and a drilling mechanism. These tools will allow for the collection of both surface and sub-surface samples. The mission emphasizes self-reliance, with all key technologies developed indigenously.
Operational Framework
The mission will be executed through a five-module system:
- Ascender Module (AM)
- Descender Module (DM)
- Re-entry Module (RM)
- Transfer Module (TM)
- Propulsion Module (PM)
Post-launch, the spacecraft will dock in Earth’s orbit, forming a single unit. The DM and AM will then separate, initiating a powered descent to land on the Moon.
Sample Collection Strategy
Once on the lunar surface, the DM will deploy a robotic arm to collect surface samples, while a drilling system extracts sub-surface material. These samples will be stored in secure containers, ensuring they remain uncontaminated during their journey back to Earth.
Return Mission Execution
After sample collection, the AM will ascend, docking with the RM in lunar orbit to transfer the gathered samples. The TM and RM will then undock, executing precise maneuvers to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The RM will perform a controlled re-entry, ensuring a safe landing on Earth.
Future Prospects
Chandrayaan-4 is poised to be a milestone in India’s space journey. It will lay the groundwork for future crewed lunar missions, fostering skill development and generating employment opportunities in the space sector. This mission serves as a stepping stone toward India’s ultimate goal—landing astronauts on the Moon.
