After the monumental success of Chandrayaan-3, India is gearing up for its next lunar exploration with the Chandrayaan-4 mission, set to launch around 2028. The upcoming mission, also known as LUPEX, aims to achieve even more ambitious goals, potentially making India the fourth nation to successfully bring back samples from the Moon.
Dr. Nilesh Desai, from ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), confirmed the launch date for Chandrayaan-4, outlining the agency’s commitment to advancing lunar exploration. The mission will build on the accomplishments of Chandrayaan-3 while venturing into more complex objectives.
Chandrayaan-4’s primary goal is to land near the Moon’s south pole, where it will collect rock samples for analysis on Earth. Successfully completing this mission would not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also mark a significant step toward potential human colonization of the Moon.
A crucial aspect of Chandrayaan-4 is the deployment of a 350-kg rover capable of covering larger distances compared to its predecessor. The rover will be essential for exploring the uncharted rims of lunar craters, providing valuable data for scientific research.
The mission will likely use India’s heavy-lift GSLV Mk III or LVM3 launch vehicles. However, the complexity of the mission lies in the safe retrieval of samples and their return to Earth, a task that necessitates two launches. The landing process will resemble Chandrayaan-3, with the central module returning to Earth after docking with the orbiting module, which will later separate and re-enter the atmosphere to drop the collected samples.
Looking ahead, ISRO envisions sending Indians to the Moon by 2040, outlining a long-term plan for lunar exploration. Dr. Nilesh Desai stated, “We have the next 15 years to send a man to the moon,” emphasizing the agency’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
In summary, Chandrayaan-4 represents India’s continued dedication to space exploration and scientific advancement. The mission’s success could position India as a key player in lunar research and pave the way for future manned lunar missions.
