What is India planning with ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 and 5?
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Chandrayaan-4: A Lunar Sample Return Mission
India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, set for launch around 2028, will focus on collecting samples from the Moon's surface and returning them to Earth. This mission marks a significant step in India’s lunar exploration, aiming to bring lunar material back for detailed scientific analysis.
Two-Phase Launch Strategy
Chandrayaan-4 will use a complex two-phase launch strategy, involving multiple spacecraft modules. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch these modules separately and then assemble them in space. This orbital assembly approach is a first for ISRO and allows the agency to work within the limits of its current rocket capabilities.
Key Components of Chandrayaan-4
The mission includes a lander, ascender, transfer module, and re-entry module. The lander will touch down on the Moon, where a robotic arm will collect samples. These samples will be transferred to the ascender, which will then return to lunar orbit. The re-entry module will carry the samples back to Earth, ensuring their safe arrival.
Chandrayaan-5: International Collaboration with JAXA
Chandrayaan-5 is a joint mission with the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA). This mission will feature an Indian lander and a Japanese rover. The rover, weighing 350 kilograms, will explore the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions, which may contain water ice, a key resource for future lunar exploration.
Focus on the Lunar South Pole
Both Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 aim to explore the Moon's south pole, an area of significant interest due to its potential for scientific discoveries and future exploration. The missions are designed to investigate the region’s geology and search for resources that could support long-term lunar habitation.
Advancing International Cooperation
Chandrayaan-5 represents a major step in international cooperation for India's space program. By collaborating with JAXA, ISRO will combine its lander technology with JAXA’s expertise in rover design, strengthening global partnerships in space exploration.
Expanding India's Lunar Exploration Efforts
With Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, India continues to expand its presence in lunar exploration. These missions not only showcase technological advancements but also contribute to global scientific knowledge, underscoring India's growing role in space research.