India’s next moon mission, Chandrayaan-4, has received formal approval and is expected to mark a major breakthrough in the nation’s space exploration endeavors.
Due to its about 9,200 kg total mass, India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, which is slated for flight in 2025, will require two separate launches. The objective of this mission is to gather lunar samples, soft land close to the Moon’s south pole, and bring them back to Earth for examination.
Given that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) currently has a payload capacity of about 4,500 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) using the LVM-3 launch vehicle, the mission will necessitate launching two modules together in one stack and three modules in another stack, with a planned one-month gap between these launches.
In an interview with TOI, Narayanan stated, “We have finished the configuration design and the design of various subsystems is ongoing.” He also mentioned that the mission architecture includes several docking
The mission will involve the deployment of five modules that will be launched in two separate stacks due to the spacecraft’s total mass of approximately 9,200 kg, which exceeds the current payload capacity of ISRO’s launch vehicles. The mission will utilise two LVM-3 rockets to deliver the modules into orbit.
The first launch will carry two modules, while the second will transport three modules, with an estimated one-month gap between launches. After both launches, the modules will dock in Earth orbit. This initial docking phase is crucial for assembling the spacecraft before it embarks on its journey to the Moon. Following docking, a propulsion module will facilitate the transfer of four modules to lunar orbit, separating at approximately 1,00,000 km from the Moon.
After sample
The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), designated as Chandrayaan-5 by India, represents a significant advancement in lunar exploration, particularly focusing on the Moon’s polar regions. LUPEX aims not only to enhance our understanding of the Moon’s polar regions but also to lay the groundwork for future human exploration missions. By demonstrating advanced technologies required for landing larger payloads on the Moon, this mission is a critical step towards India’s goal of sending humans to the lunar surface by 2040. The total landing mass of the spacecraft is projected to be 6,200 kg. This marks a substantial increase compared to previous missions, reflecting the mission’s enhanced capabilities and objectives. The rover intended for LUPEX will weigh between 350 kg and 400 kg, which is approximately 14
The mission is a joint effort between India and Japan. Japan will handle the development and operation of both the launch vehicle and the rover, while ISRO will be responsible for the lander. In addition to Indian and Japanese scientific instruments, LUPEX will carry payloads from American and European sources, enhancing its research capabilities. The LUPEX mission will counter engineering challenges. The increased weight of the lander necessitates advanced engineering solutions. ISRO is developing new propulsion systems and descent algorithms to manage the complexities associated with landing such a heavy payload on the lunar surface. This includes terrain navigation systems to avoid obstacles during descent. The lander’s design allows for a greater payload capacity, enabling it to carry sophisticated scientific instruments for detailed studies of
Several dockings will be required during the expedition, both on Earth and on the moon. Two independent LVM-3 spacecraft launches will precede the first docking in Earth’s orbit. This entails launching three modules in one stack and two modules in another, separated by roughly one month.
Chandrayaan-4’s main objectives are to make a soft landing close to the Moon’s south pole, gather lunar samples, and bring them back to Earth for examination. India’s skills in lunar exploration and sample return technologies are to be improved by this mission.
The trip will showcase vital technology like sophisticated docking methods, robotic arms for sample collecting, and high-capacity propulsion systems. Future manned lunar missions, scheduled for 2040, depend on these technologies.
Additionally, Chandrayaan-4 is connected to
The mission has been allocated a budget of approximately ₹2,104.06 crore (about $240 million) and is expected to be completed within 36 months of its approval. The launches are projected to take place between 2026 and 2028, with detailed planning already underway for the necessary technologies and infrastructure. Chandrayaan-4 represents a crucial step in India’s ambition to establish itself as a leader in space exploration, particularly in lunar missions.
