Chandrayaan‑4: India’s Bold Leap Toward the Moon

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Chandrayaan‑4: India’s Bold Leap Toward the Moon



1. Mission Overview

Chandrayaan‑4 is ISRO’s upcoming lunar sample-return mission, aiming to collect up to 2–3 kg of lunar regolith and safely deliver it back to Earth.

2. Mission Timeline & Objectives

  • Timeline: Targeted launch around 2027–2028, aligning with the completion of conceptual and design phases. 

  • Key Objectives:

    • Execute a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole.

    • Collect samples, ascend from the lunar surface, and perform in-orbit docking and undocking.

    • Transfer the samples through multiple modules and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere safely. 



3. The Ingenious Multi‑Module Design

Chandrayaan‑4’s architecture is its standout feature, comprising five distinct modules deployed via two separate launches:

  1. Propulsion Module – Guides the mission to the lunar orbit

  2. Descender Module (Lander) – Facilitates a soft landing and sample collection

  3. Ascender Module – Lifts off with lunar samples and docks in orbit

  4. Transfer Module – Receives samples and integrates with re-entry module

  5. Re-entry Module – Safely returns samples to Earth 

This approach leverages both the LVM‑3 (for heavier payloads) and the PSLV rockets for modular deployment. 

4 Technological Milestones & Forward Vision



  • In-Orbit Docking: A critical technological demonstration, with SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) set to pave the way.

  • 3D Printing on the Moon: Chandrayaan‑4 may trial additive manufacturing using lunar regolith—a step toward building a sustainable lunar base. National Vision: The mission prepares the ground for India’s future manned lunar mission by 2040 and the establishment of a lunar base by 2050. 

5. Budget & Strategic Momentum

  • Funding: Allocated around ₹2,104 crore (~US $250–290 million).

  • Strategic Significance:

    • Enhances self-reliance in space tech and sparks academic and industrial innovation. Puts India among the elite nations – the U.S., Russia, and China – capable of lunar sample retrieval.

6. What Lies Ahead



Chandrayaan‑4 represents a watershed moment in India’s lunar ambitions—a mission bridging robotic exploration and human spaceflight ambitions. With groundbreaking tech and clear objectives, it sets the stage for both scientific discovery and human presence on the Moon. 

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