Chandrayaan-4, India’s ambitious fourth lunar mission, is scheduled to launch in October 2027, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space exploration journey. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission aims to achieve not only a successful soft landing on the Moon but also the groundbreaking feat of collecting and returning lunar samples to Earth.
Mission Details
Chandrayaan-4 will comprise two spacecraft, each weighing approximately 4,750 kg. Instead of a single massive vehicle, ISRO plans to deploy two LVM3 rockets for the launch. This approach involves complex docking and undocking procedures in space, showcasing India’s growing technological prowess in advanced space operations.
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, a scientifically significant area believed to hold crucial clues about the Moon’s formation and the presence of water ice. With Chandrayaan-4, India aspires to join the elite club of nations — USA, Russia, and China — that have successfully executed lunar sample return missions.
Importance of Lunar Samples
Lunar samples hold immense value for scientific research. While robotic crafts can perform on-site studies, their capabilities are limited due to the restricted equipment they can carry. Returning lunar materials to Earth allows for more sophisticated analysis, potentially unlocking insights into the Moon’s geological history, composition, and the presence of resources.
Technological Innovations
Chandrayaan-4 introduces several technological breakthroughs, including a Surface Sampling Robot and an advanced drilling mechanism. These tools will enable the collection of surface as well as sub-surface samples. Remarkably, all critical technologies for this mission have been developed domestically, underscoring India’s self-reliance in space technology.
Mission Components and Operations
The mission includes five key modules:
- Ascender Module (AM): Responsible for ascending with lunar samples.
- Descender Module (DM): Facilitates the powered descent and landing on the Moon.
- Re-entry Module (RM): Carries the samples back to Earth.
- Transfer Module (TM): Manages orbital adjustments.
- Propulsion Module (PM): Provides the necessary thrust for transit.
After the launch, the crafts will dock in an elliptical Earth orbit to form a single integrated craft. The DM and AM will then execute a powered descent to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
Sample Collection Process
Upon landing, the Descender Module will deploy a robotic arm to collect surface samples, while the drilling mechanism will gather sub-surface materials. These samples will be carefully sealed in secure containers to prevent contamination during their return journey to Earth.
Return Journey to Earth
Once the sample collection is complete, the Ascender Module will lift off from the lunar surface and dock with the Re-entry Module in lunar orbit. The Transfer Module and Re-entry Module will then undock and begin the return journey to Earth. Upon re-entry, the RM will execute a ballistic descent, landing safely on Earth with the precious lunar samples.
Future Implications
Chandrayaan-4 is not just a mission; it is a stepping stone towards future manned lunar missions. By honing the technologies required for complex docking, sample collection, and re-entry, ISRO is building capabilities that will eventually support sending Indian astronauts to the Moon. Moreover, the mission is expected to spur skill development and employment opportunities in India’s burgeoning space sector, fostering innovation and positioning India as a major player in global space exploration.