Chandrayaan-4: India’s Next Lunar Mission Aims to Bring Moon Samples to Earth

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the Chandrayaan-4 mission following the success of Chandrayaan-3, according to reports in the media. The mission aims to achieve a groundbreaking feat by bringing lunar samples back to Earth, marking a notable milestone for the country’s space endeavors.

Nilesh Desai, the Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC/ISRO), provided insights into Chandrayaan-4 during a recent address at the Indian Tropical Meteorology Institute. The mission’s primary objective is to collect samples from the lunar surface, a task involving intricate maneuvers and advanced space technology.

The spacecraft will journey to the moon, land, collect samples, and then connect to another module in space. The second module will return to Earth orbit, and both modules will eventually separate as they approach Earth. One part will return to Earth, while the other continues orbiting the planet.

To ensure the mission’s success, Desai highlighted the need for two launch vehicles containing four modules: transfer module (TM), lander module (LM), ascender module, and re-entry module (RM). The RM and TM will be parked in lunar orbit, while the two descend, allowing the ascender module to separate from the lander module and collect the lunar sample.

However, the successful execution of Chandrayaan-4 depends on its ability to bring lunar samples back to Earth, requiring two powerful rockets for the cargo carrying the samples. ISRO is yet to confirm the feasibility of the mission.