Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Space
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, aimed at demonstrating technologies for returning to Earth after landing on the Moon and collecting lunar samples for analysis.
This mission follows Chandrayaan-3 and will help develop key technologies for a future Indian lunar landing by 2040. The project will be led by ISRO, with strong involvement from industry and academia, and is expected to be completed within 36 months. The mission supports India’s broader space vision, including plans for an Indian Space Station by 2035.
Historical overview of ISRO’s major programs – satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary exploration:
Program | Key Achievements
Satellite Programs
Aryabhata (1975) | Marked India’s entry into space era; conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.
Bhaskar-1 & Bhaskar-2 | Experimental remote-sensing satellites laying the groundwork for Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite system.
IRS-1A (1988) | Launched Earth Observation spacecraft aiding land-based applications like agriculture, forestry, etc.
INSAT Series | Initiated communication revolution, providing nationwide connectivity, broadcasting, meteorological info, etc.
IRNSS (NavIC) (2013) | Started for terrestrial, aerial, marine navigation, location-based services, etc.
Launch Vehicle Programs
1963 Nike Apache | Initial rocket launch; ‘sounding rocket’ experiment.
SLV-3 (1980) | India’s first launch vehicle; entry into space-faring nations.
PSLV | Reliable and versatile workhorse; enabled critical space missions.
GSLV | Addressed PSLV’s limitations; introduced cryogenic engines.
GSLV Mk-III | Heaviest launch vehicle; used for Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
Planetary Exploration
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) | Detected water on the Moon; the fifth country to reach the lunar surface.
Mangalyaan (2013) | First interplanetary mission; reached Mars orbit, showcasing interplanetary technology.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) | Aimed for lunar exploration but faced a setback with the lander’s soft landing.
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) | Achieved a successful soft landing on the Moon, contributing to India’s lunar capabilities.
Significance of the Chandrayaan-4 mission for India:
• Technological Advancement: Demonstrates India’s capability to return safely from the Moon after landing.
• Lunar Sample Collection: First mission to bring back samples from the Moon for scientific analysis.
• Foundation for Manned Missions: Lays groundwork for a future manned lunar mission by 2040.
• Indigenous Development: Enhances self-reliance in critical space technologies.
• Boost to Space Industry: Involves Indian industries, generating employment and technology spin-offs.
• Global Space Leadership: Strengthens India’s position among elite spacefaring nations.
Insta Links:
Chandrayaan-3
Mains Links:
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Links:
Q Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
• is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
• made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
• made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C