In an unprecedented move, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is gearing up for a historic endeavor with its upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission. For the first time, India will deploy two rockets in a singular mission aimed at collecting moon rocks and soil, marking a significant leap in lunar exploration. The mission, which is not scheduled before 2028, positions India on the cusp of becoming the fourth nation globally capable of returning samples from the lunar surface.
Isro plans to utilize two distinct rockets – the heavy-lifting LVM-3 and the reliable PSLV – to transport different components of the mission into space on separate days. Isro chairman S Somanath, in a presentation at the National Space Science Symposium, outlined the ambitious goals of Chandrayaan-4. The mission will comprise five spacecraft modules: the propulsion module, descender module, ascender module, transfer module, and re-entry module, each playing a crucial role in the mission’s success.
The LVM-3 is tasked with carrying the propulsion, descender, and ascender modules, while the PSLV will launch the transfer and re-entry modules. This strategic deployment aims to optimize the mission’s trajectory and fuel consumption by leveraging the moon’s gravity for one set of modules, mirroring techniques used by other lunar missions to reach the lunar orbit efficiently.
The mission’s architecture is meticulously planned, with the propulsion module guiding the spacecraft to lunar orbit through Earth-bound maneuvers, similar to those employed in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Upon reaching lunar orbit, it will separate, allowing the descender module to execute the lunar landing. The ascender module, a novel addition to India’s moon missions, will then collect and store lunar samples. These samples will be transferred to the transfer module in orbit, which will then return them to Earth, with the re-entry module ensuring their safe descent.
Chandrayaan-4 stands as a testament to Isro’s innovative spirit and ambition in space exploration, promising to enhance our understanding of the moon and its resources through the scientific study of returned samples. This mission not only showcases India’s growing prowess in space technology but also contributes significantly to global lunar research efforts.
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