Centre Nods Chandrayaan-4 Mission, Allocates Rs 2,100 Cr

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to enhance India’s space exploration capabilities. This mission is designed to develop and demonstrate key technologies necessary for a successful lunar landing, the collection of moon samples, and their safe return to Earth.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed the approval of several major space initiatives, including Chandrayaan-4.

“The Chandrayaan-4 mission has been expanded to include additional elements. The next phase involves preparing for a manned lunar mission, with all necessary preparatory steps now approved. Additionally, the Venus Orbiter Mission, the Gaganyaan follow-on, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle development have also received approval,” Vaishnaw stated.

Chandrayaan-4 will concentrate on demonstrating critical technologies for future lunar missions, such as docking and undocking processes, safe landing methods, and returning lunar samples to Earth. This mission represents a crucial step toward India’s goal of a manned lunar landing by 2040.

The Indian government’s expanded space exploration vision includes establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and achieving a manned lunar landing by 2040. Chandrayaan-4 plays a vital role in this vision, building on the technological successes of Chandrayaan-3.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will lead the development of the spacecraft and manage the mission. With a planned duration of 36 months, the project will involve collaboration with industry and academia, driving technological advancements and job creation.

The mission is budgeted at Rs 2,104.06 crore, covering spacecraft development, two LVM3 launch vehicles, deep space network support, and special design validation tests. Chandrayaan-4 will enhance India’s self-reliance in key space technologies and establish facilities for lunar sample curation and analysis, adding valuable national assets.

Through this mission, India aims to strengthen its position in global space exploration while advancing its technological and scientific progress.