Chandrayaan-4 will significantly build upon the success of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3, which marked a historic milestone for India with its soft landing on the Moon. The mission represents not just a continuation but an evolution of India's lunar exploration capabilities. With a sanctioned budget of Rs. 2,104.06 crore (around $253 million), Chandrayaan-4 is a key part of India’s broader space ambitions and aligns with the country’s growing prowess in space technology. It underscores India’s commitment to advancing its space program and positioning itself among global leaders in space exploration.
The primary objective of Chandrayaan-4 is to develop and demonstrate critical technologies that will pave the way for future lunar missions. These technologies include docking and undocking in lunar orbit, the collection of lunar samples, and ensuring a safe return to Earth. The mission is expected to refine the techniques for landing on and exploring the Moon, setting the foundation for more advanced lunar and planetary missions in the future. Additionally, the development of these technologies will play an instrumental role in India's goal of launching a crewed lunar mission by 2040 and establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission is part of India’s long-term vision for space exploration, which includes not only uncrewed lunar missions but also significant advancements in human spaceflight. The mission, led by ISRO, is expected to be completed within 36 months of receiving government approval. It will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including Indian industry and academia, ensuring that the mission generates significant technological advancements and employment opportunities across the country. By fostering indigenous technology development, Chandrayaan-4 aims to make India self-sufficient in the critical areas required for both manned missions and continued lunar exploration.
The mission will also establish new facilities for the curation and analysis of returned lunar samples. These samples will be preserved as valuable national assets, serving as a resource for future scientific research and exploration. This aspect of the mission is crucial, as it will allow Indian scientists to study the Moon's surface and composition more comprehensively, contributing to the global body of knowledge on lunar science.
In addition to Chandrayaan-4, the Indian government has also given the green light for the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), with a budget of Rs. 1,236 crore (approximately $149 million). Scheduled for launch in March 2028, this mission will focus on understanding the surface, subsurface, and atmospheric processes of Venus. It aims to provide critical insights into how Venus, once thought to be similar to Earth, transformed into its current inhospitable state. Scientists hope to uncover clues that could inform our understanding of Earth's past and future by studying Venus.
Moreover, the government has approved the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with plans for the first module to be launched by 2028. The BAS is a vital step in India's space station program, which will serve as a hub for future space exploration and research. The expansion of the Gaganyaan program, which now includes eight missions, reflects the country's commitment to advancing its space station ambitions. The total funding for the Gaganyaan program has been increased to Rs. 20,193 crore, with an additional Rs. 11,170 crore allocated to meet the extended scope of these missions.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus, and BAS projects mark a defining moment in India's space exploration journey. The government’s commitment to investing in space technology and exploration has positioned India as a key player on the global stage, with ambitious goals that promise to expand humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. Through Chandrayaan-4, India will not only push the boundaries of lunar exploration but also strengthen its ability to undertake complex, long-duration space missions that will shape the future of space exploration.
Â
