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In a historic first for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India is set to two rockets for a single mission, Chandrayaan-4. This mission aims to retrieve moon rocks and soil back to Earth, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. Scheduled for not before 2028, Chandrayaan-4 will deploy two separate rockets - the heavy-lifter LVM-3 and ISRO's reliable PSLV - each carrying different payloads integral to the mission's success. This strategic move positions India to potentially become the fourth country capable of bringing back samples from the lunar surface.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath outlined the mission's objectives during a recent presentation at the National Space Science Symposium. Unlike its predecessors, Chandrayaan-4 will consist of five spacecraft modules: propulsion, descender, ascender, transfer, and re-entry modules. The LVM-3 rocket is tasked with launching the propulsion, descender, and ascender modules. In contrast, the PSLV will carry the transfer and re-entry modules. The two rockets' launches will be meticulously planned, with one set of modules taking a fuel-efficient route to the moon, while the other set directly travels to lunar orbit.
The propulsion module will navigate Chandrayaan-4 to lunar orbit through Earth-bound orbit maneuvers, similar to the Chandrayaan-3 module's journey. The mission will witness the inaugural use of the ascender module, designed to collect and store lunar samples before docking with the transfer module in lunar orbit. This module will then secure the samples and deliver them back to Earth's orbit, with the re-entry module ensuring their safe return to our planet.
Chandrayaan-4 is poised to carry five payloads across its modules, each playing a pivotal role in accomplishing the mission's objectives. These include performing a safe lunar landing, demonstrating the collection and containment of lunar samples, and ensuring their successful return to Earth.
In related news, ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine has successfully passed its tests, signaling readiness for the ambitious Gaganyaan Mission. Furthermore, ISRO officials have unveiled plans to significantly expand their presence in the global market, underlining the organization's growing ambitions and capabilities in space exploration.
As India prepares for Chandrayaan-4, the nation also gears up for the Gaganyaan Mission, with four astronauts already selected for the journey. This series of initiatives underscores ISRO's commitment to advancing India's position in the space exploration arena, fostering scientific discovery, and contributing to global knowledge about our universe.
