The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is embarking on an audacious mission to bring minerals from the moon to Earth by the year 2047, aligning with the centenary of India’s independence. The ambitious plan includes establishing a permanent station on the moon, developing advanced spacecraft, constructing a space station, and enhancing rocket capabilities.
The revelation came during the 32nd Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture, where ISRO Chairman S. Somnath presented the ‘Plan for Indian Space Research in the AMRUT period’ at Symbiosis International University. The plan envisions significant milestones over the next decade, reflecting India’s commitment to space exploration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives have spurred ISRO to land on the moon by 2040. The comprehensive plan for the next decade involves developing the Indian space program across three levels during the Amrut Kaal. This includes the establishment of India’s permanent space station on the moon post ‘Chandrayaan 3’ and ‘Chandrayaan 7’ missions. The ultimate goal by 2047 is to extract valuable minerals from the moon, promote lunar tourism, and facilitate space missions from the moon to other planets.
The roadmap includes phases such as upgrading the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark III, developing a next-generation launch vehicle, and constructing an Indian space station in Earth’s orbit by 2035. Key milestones in ISRO’s ambitious timeline include:
- 2025: Gaganyaan Mission
- 2026: Chandrayaan 4: Retrieving lunar stones and soil samples
- 2028: ‘Chandrayaan 5’: Long-term mission deploying a lunar robot
- 2030: Introduction of the NGLV rocket
- 2032: Chandrayaan 6: Moon Station
- 2035: Launch of NGLV HR rocket for manned missions
- 2037: Chandrayaan 7: Infrastructure and energy generation station on the moon
- 2040: Human space mission to the moon
ISRO’s vision for lunar exploration and space habitation underscores India’s commitment to advancing space exploration and positioning itself as a key player in future space endeavors.
