India is setting its sights on a lunar leap, aiming to launch Chandrayaan-4, a mission designed to bring back lunar samples, by 2028. This ambitious endeavor will see India collaborate with Japan for an uncrewed lander and rover mission following Chandrayaan-4.
S. Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), unveiled these plans during a recent address in New Delhi. Chandrayaan-4 represents a significant step in India’s burgeoning space program, aiming to collect approximately 3 kilograms of lunar material from a region near the moon’s south pole, known for its potential water-ice deposits. The mission seeks to return these valuable samples to Earth.
The project, one of several government-approved flagship missions designed to bolster India’s space economy, has been allocated a budget of 21 billion rupees (roughly $250 million).
“The feat of returning lunar samples has been accomplished before by the US and Russia, but replicating it today presents a significant challenge, both technically and financially,” Somanath acknowledged. “We are focused on executing this mission in the most cost-effective manner possible.”
Chandrayaan-4 will utilize a five-part spacecraft system, requiring two launches aboard ISRO’s most powerful rocket, the LVM-3. The first launch will carry the lander and a dedicated vehicle for collecting samples, while the second will transport a transfer module and a reentry module designed to remain in lunar orbit. Once the sampling is complete, the ascender module will transfer the lunar material to the reentry module, which will then safely descend back to Earth.
To master the intricate maneuver of in-orbit docking, a crucial element of Chandrayaan-4, ISRO plans to launch a $14 million space docking experiment (SPADEX) later this year or in early 2025.
While the precise landing site remains under wraps, earlier reports suggest a location close to Shiv Shakti Point near the lunar south pole, the same area where the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft safely touched down.
The moon’s south pole, with its suspected reserves of water ice, is a hot spot for space exploration. This ice could be a vital resource for future lunar missions, potentially serving as a source of life support and rocket fuel. NASA recently shortlisted nine potential landing sites near the lunar south pole for its Artemis 3 mission, aiming to land astronauts on the moon. China is also targeting the South Pole with upcoming lunar missions, with the goal of placing astronauts there before the decade’s end.
Looking ahead, Chandrayaan-4 will be followed by Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative project with Japan.
Somanath revealed during a memorial lecture honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – India’s first minister of information and broadcasting instrumental in the nation’s post-independence unification – that the Japanese space agency, JAXA, will contribute a sophisticated 350 kg rover for Chandrayaan-5.
These ambitious endeavors are paving the way for India’s long-term vision of landing astronauts on the moon by 2040 and establishing a lunar base by 2050.
“The entire team is eagerly anticipating the design and development of this complex Chandrayaan-4 mission, with the goal of executing it successfully by 2028,” Somanath stated.
Interview between Time.news Editor and S. Somanath, ISRO Head
Time.news Editor: Welcome, S. Somanath, and thank you for joining us today. Exciting developments are on the horizon for India’s space program with the announcement of Chandrayaan-4. Can you begin by sharing what motivated ISRO to embark on this lunar sample return mission?
S. Somanath: Thank you for having me. The primary motivation behind Chandrayaan-4 is to deepen our understanding of the Moon, particularly in relation to lunar resources, such as water-ice, which could prove crucial for future exploration. Additionally, successfully returning lunar samples will enhance India’s position in the global space community and contribute significantly to our growing space economy.
Time.news Editor: It’s remarkable how far ISRO has come. You mentioned that Chandrayaan-4 aims to collect approximately 3 kilograms of lunar material. Can you elaborate on the significance of this particular region near the Moon’s south pole?
S. Somanath: Certainly! The south pole is of particular interest to scientists because it houses potential water-ice deposits, which could act as a resource for future lunar missions. These samples can offer insights into the Moon’s history and geology, as well as its potential for supporting human habitation in the future. This mission represents a scientific opportunity not just for India, but for the global community as well.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration is key in such grand endeavors, and I understand that ISRO plans to work with Japan on this mission. How will this partnership enhance the mission’s prospects?
S. Somanath: Collaboration brings together diverse expertise and resources. By working with Japan, which has a strong reputation for space missions, we will enhance the technology and methodologies used in the uncrewed lander and rover operations. Joint efforts in research and development can lead to innovations that benefit both countries and the broader scientific community.
Time.news Editor: The mission has a considerable budget of 21 billion rupees. How does ISRO plan to ensure the project remains cost-effective while meeting its ambitious goals?
S. Somanath: We understand that balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility is crucial. To maintain cost-effectiveness, we are focusing on leveraging our existing technologies, optimizing designs, and ensuring streamlined project management. Drawing from the successful strategies of our past missions helps us significantly reduce costs without compromising quality.
Time.news Editor: The technical challenges of returning lunar samples are indeed steep. Can you describe the spacecraft system you mentioned, particularly the role of the five-part spacecraft and its launches?
S. Somanath: The spacecraft system comprises five essential components: the lander, the sample collection vehicle, the transfer module, the reentry module, and the ascender module. The mission requires two launches aboard our LVM-3 rocket—the first launch sends the lander and sample collector to the Moon, while the second carries the modules necessary for returning the samples. The in-orbit docking process is critical as it ensures safe transfer and ensures that we can effectively bring the sample back to Earth.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of challenges, what do you see as the most significant hurdle for Chandrayaan-4, and how does ISRO plan to overcome it?
S. Somanath: One of the most significant hurdles will be achieving precise in-orbit docking, as it requires meticulous planning and execution. To address this, we are conducting extensive simulations and testing various scenarios ahead of the launch. We are also learning from previous missions, refining our techniques, and incorporating the latest advancements in aerospace technology.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the groundwork is being laid for a successful mission. what message do you want to convey to the young scientists and students in India who look up to ISRO’s achievements?
S. Somanath: I want to emphasize that the future of our space endeavors depends on the curiosity and innovation of our youth. We encourage young minds to pursue science and technology, as every small contribution can pave the way for monumental advancements. Remember, every great mission starts with a dream, and it’s crucial to nurture that dream with education and research.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, S. Somanath, for sharing insights into this groundbreaking mission. We look forward to seeing the strides India will make in lunar exploration!
S. Somanath: Thank you for the opportunity. Exciting times lie ahead!
