Chandrayaan-4: India’s Next Leap in Lunar Exploration

Why in the news?

India announces Chandrayaan-4, aiming to collect lunar samples and test docking technology, advancing its goals for future manned missions and a space station by 2035.

Highlights of Chandrayaan-4:

  • Mission Type: India’s next significant lunar mission following Chandrayaan-3.
  • Budget: ₹2,104.06 crore ($253 million).
  • Objectives: To collect lunar samples for return to Earth, enhancing knowledge for future manned missions.

Key Features

  • Sample Collection: Aims to gather and return lunar materials, crucial for understanding the Moon’s geology.
  • Docking Technology: Will test docking and undocking procedures in lunar orbit, essential for future space exploration.

Future Aspirations

  • Timeline: Scheduled for completion within 36 months.
  • Broader Goals: Part of India’s ambitious space plans, including establishing a space station by 2035 and aiming for a manned lunar landing by 2040.

Facts about the Chandrayaan-4 Mission:

  • Management: ISRO will oversee the mission, including spacecraft and launch vehicle development.
  • Timeline: Expected completion within 36 months of approval.

Rover Details:

  • Weight: Planned rover will weigh 350 kg, significantly heavier than Chandrayaan-3’s 30 kg rover.
  • Exploration Area: Rover will cover an area of 1 km x 1 km, larger than Chandrayaan-3’s 500 m x 500 m.

Landing Precision

  • Landing Target: Aims for a precise landing on the Moon’s rim, focusing on unexplored areas.

Objectives:

  • Technology Demonstration:
    • Docking/undocking techniques for lunar and Earth missions.
    • Achieving safe lunar landing and return to Earth.
    • Collecting and analysing lunar samples.
  • Foundational Technologies: Establishing capabilities for a future manned lunar mission planned for
  • Mission Components:
    • Reentry Module (RM)
    • Transfer Module (TM)
    • Lander Module (LM)
    • Ascender Module (AM)
    • Propulsion Module (PM)
  • Launch Vehicles:
    • PSLV for RM and TM.
    • LVM-3 for LM, AM, and PM.

Significance

  • Builds on Chandrayaan-3 success, expanding India’s capabilities in space technology and preparing for future lunar explorations.

ISRO’s Future Plans for Space:

Bhartiya Antariksh Station (BAS):

  • First module launch planned for
  • Will conduct experiments using robots.

Inflatable Habitat Module:

  • Designed for long-duration stays by astronauts in low Earth orbit.

Satellite Refuelling Technology:

  • Exploring technologies for refuelling satellites in space.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGVL):

  • Capacity to carry 16 to 25 tons to low Earth orbit.

Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX):

  • Demonstrates autonomous docking capabilities.
  • Scheduled for launch in Q3 2024.

Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LuPEX):

  • Collaboration with JAXA to explore lunar south pole’s shaded areas.
  • Aims to gather data on water presence on the Moon.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times