India plans to launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2028 to collect lunar samples!
India is once again setting its sights on the moon as it aims to launch the ambitious Chandrayaan-4 mission in 2028. This upcoming mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), attempts to return samples from the moon’s south pole. The mission plans to retrieve 3 kilograms of lunar material from areas suspected of having water ice, with the aim of returning these samples safely to Earth. During a recent speech in New Delhi, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath detailed this plan, highlighting its importance in India’s growing space program. The program recently received increased government support of Rs. 21 billion (about $250 million).
Two-launch strategy to capture and return lunar samples
The Chandrayaan-4 mission will involve a complex, multi-phase approach to ensure the successful collection and return of lunar samples. The mission requires two separate launches on board ISRO’s LVM-3 rockets. The first launch will carry a lunar lander and a climbing vehicle that will collect samples. The second launch will deploy a transfer module and a reentry vehicle that will remain in lunar orbit. After the samples are collected, the rocket will transfer them to the reentry module in lunar orbit, which will then return to Earth.
In preparation for the mission’s in-space docking requirements, ISRO will conduct a $14 million docking experiment, SPADEX, to test this technique in a real environment. This experiment, planned for late 2024 or early 2025, aims to refine the skills crucial to the success of the mission.
Expanding partnerships and future lunar ambitions
India’s partnership with Japan will also play a key role in its lunar exploration plans. After Chandrayaan-4, ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will collaborate on Chandrayaan-5, also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Project (LUPEX). JAXA will deploy a 350-kilogram rover for this mission, a significant step up from the Pragyan rover used on Chandrayaan-3.
Chandrayaan’s series of missions represents India’s commitment to establish a human presence on the moon by 2040 and explore long-term options for a lunar base by 2050. Somanath and ISRO remain committed to achieving these ambitious milestones and view them as essential steps towards India’s vision of leadership in space. India plans to launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2028 to collect lunar samples!
