INDIAN ON MOON BY 2040? ISRO CHIEF SPELLS OUT HOPES, CHALLENGES

Why in the news?

  • ISRO chairman S Somanath aims to land an Indian on the moon by 2040.
  • Stresses the need for a technology roadmap for zero-gravity environments, highlighting the importance of continuous lunar missions and expanded capabilities.

About Indian Space Exploration Plans on Moon by 2040:

  • Lunar missions demand significant investments and strategic planning.
  • Development of launcher capabilities, labs, and simulation systems is imperative.
  • Bhartiya Antriksh Station aims for human habitation in space by 2035.
  • Future plans include interplanetary missions like Venus Orbiter and Mars Lander.
  • Priority on collecting lunar samples, especially from South Pole’s permanently shadowed regions.
What is Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS)?

●    Objective: Proposed space station by ISRO

●    Purpose: Serve as a platform for microgravity space research and experiments.

●    Timeline: ISRO’s goal is to establish a permanent space station in 25 years by 2035

●    First Module: Targeting launch by 2028 via LVM3 rocket.

●    Capabilities: Includes increased launch capacity, docking facilities, zero gravity labs, and advanced research capabilities.