India Targets 2028 for Chandrayaan-4 Sample-Return Mission to Moon’s South Pole India is preparing for a groundbreaking 2028 launch of its Chandrayaan-4 mission, which will focus on returning lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole. The mission is set to be followed by an uncrewed lander and rover developed in collaboration with Japan.
During an invited talk in New Delhi last week, S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), provided insights into these upcoming missions and how they will contribute to India’s growing space ambitions.
Chandrayaan-4: Aiming for Lunar Samples from the South Pole
The Chandrayaan-4 mission will aim to collect about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to be rich in water ice. This ice is of significant interest because it could potentially support future lunar exploration by providing water for life support and even fuel for spacecraft. With a budget of 21 billion rupees (about $250 million USD), the mission is part of India’s broader effort to boost its space economy through flagship missions.
Somanath emphasized the immense challenge of such a mission, noting that while the U.S. and Russia have conducted similar sample-return missions, doing so today presents a set of unique difficulties, particularly in terms of cost. “We are exploring how we can make a mission to the Moon and back in a more affordable way,” he said.
Mission Architecture and the Key Technologies
The Chandrayaan-4 mission will involve five spacecraft modules, with two launches from India’s most powerful rocket, the LVM-3. The first launch will carry a lander and a sample-collecting ascender vehicle, while the second launch will deploy a transfer module and a reentry module to stay in lunar orbit.
Once the ascender collects the samples from the Moon’s surface, it will transfer them to the reentry module, which will then return to Earth with the samples. One of the most complex aspects of the mission will be the in-orbit docking between two spacecraft. To prepare for this, ISRO plans to launch the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) in late 2024 or early 2025, costing around $14 million.
Developing Homegrown Technologies
ISRO is also developing several indigenous technologies for Chandrayaan-4, including a robotic arm for sample collection and a drilling mechanism to retrieve material from below the lunar surface. These technologies will play a crucial role in ensuring the mission’s success.
While the official landing site has not yet been confirmed, earlier reports suggested that it may be near the Shiv Shakti Point, the site where the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landed.
Global Interest in the Moon’s South Pole
The south pole of the Moon has become a major focus for spacefaring nations due to the suspected presence of water ice, which could be used for life support and fuel production. NASA is targeting this region for its Artemis 3 mission, its first crewed mission to the Moon. China is also planning missions to the lunar south pole, with ambitions to land astronauts by the decade’s end.
Chandrayaan-5: India’s Collaboration with Japan
Following Chandrayaan-4, India plans to launch Chandrayaan-5, a joint mission with Japan’s space agency (JAXA). This mission, known as the Lunar Polar Exploration project (LUPEX), will feature a 350 kg rover, significantly larger than the 27 kg Pragyan rover that was part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
India’s Vision for Lunar Exploration
These missions are part of India’s long-term goal to send astronauts to the Moon by 2040 and to establish a lunar base by 2050. With each mission, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.
“We are all excited about the Chandrayaan-4 mission and the complex task of designing and developing it,” said Somanath. “We aim to make it a reality by 2028.”
This mission marks another step in India’s ambitious space program, underscoring its growing leadership in the global space exploration arena.
India’s Ambitious Moon Mission: Chandrayaan-4
Chandrayaan-4 is set to be a pivotal mission for India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission’s primary goal is to collect lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole, a region that has intrigued scientists due to its potential ice deposits. These ice reserves could hold clues to water on the Moon, a critical resource for future lunar exploration and possibly even long-term colonization.
Key Objectives of Chandrayaan-4
- Lunar Sample-Return: Chandrayaan-4 will focus on returning lunar samples from the south pole, helping to understand the Moon’s composition and water presence.
- Exploring Uncharted Terrain: The Moon’s south pole is largely unexplored, making it an exciting target for scientists eager to learn more about the Moon’s history and resources.
- Advancing Technology: ISRO plans to use cutting-edge technologies for landing and sample collection, further boosting India’s capabilities in space exploration.
Why the South Pole of the Moon?
The Moon’s south pole has gained significant interest in recent years due to the possibility of water ice beneath its permanently shadowed craters. Water is essential for future lunar missions, both for sustaining human life and as a resource for creating rocket fuel. The region is believed to have remained untouched by sunlight for billions of years, preserving ancient material that could provide a better understanding of the Moon’s early history.
Chandrayaan-4: A Major Milestone for ISRO
India’s space achievements have been recognized globally, and Chandrayaan-4 is poised to solidify India’s position as a major player in space exploration. Following the success of Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, ISRO has shown its ability to overcome challenges and achieve ambitious goals. Chandrayaan-4 will be an important test of ISRO’s ability to handle complex space missions with higher risks and greater rewards.
Challenges and the Path to Success
While the mission’s goals are ambitious, there are several challenges ahead:
- Landing on the South Pole: The region’s rugged terrain and constant shadow create significant landing challenges. ISRO will need to develop new technologies to ensure a successful landing.
- Sample Collection: Extracting meaningful samples in an environment that hasn’t been explored before will require advanced robotic systems and precision landing techniques.
- International Collaboration: Collaborating with other space agencies and companies could provide crucial expertise and resources to ensure mission success.
Impact on India’s Space Program and Global Space Exploration
Chandrayaan-4 will be an important milestone for India’s space program, reinforcing its capabilities and expanding its influence on the global space stage. As space exploration becomes more competitive, India’s growing expertise in interplanetary missions, particularly its successes with the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-2, will provide a solid foundation for future endeavors.
This mission is not just a significant leap for India, but a contribution to the entire scientific community. The findings from Chandrayaan-4 could shape the future of space exploration, particularly for missions aiming to establish a human presence on the Moon.
FAQs
What is the Chandrayaan-4 mission?
Chandrayaan-4 is India’s upcoming sample-return mission, aimed at exploring the Moon’s south pole and collecting lunar samples.
Why focus on the Moon’s south pole?
The south pole may contain water ice, which is vital for future lunar missions and long-term human settlement on the Moon.
When is the Chandrayaan-4 mission scheduled?
The mission is scheduled for 2028, aiming to make significant advancements in space exploration.
What will ISRO learn from Chandrayaan-4?
ISRO hopes to uncover vital information about the Moon’s composition, its water resources, and its potential for future exploration.
What are the challenges of landing on the Moon’s south pole?
The terrain is rough and receives no sunlight, making it a difficult landing zone for spacecraft.
How does Chandrayaan-4 benefit global space exploration?
The mission will enhance our understanding of the Moon’s resources, contributing to future lunar missions and the potential for human exploration.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-4 represents a bold step for India in its space exploration efforts, as well as a significant contribution to global scientific knowledge. By focusing on the Moon’s south pole, India aims to uncover essential resources for the future of space exploration. If successful, this mission could mark a new chapter in humanity’s efforts to understand the Moon and beyond. As we look toward 2028, all eyes will be on ISRO’s ambitious mission to make history once again.