Chandrayaan-3 Successful Return Boosts ISRO's Confidence for Upcoming Lunar Mission

ISRO Chandrayaan-4 Latest News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a significant leap in lunar exploration with the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, focused on bringing back samples from the Moon. Following the recent success of Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module's return to Earth orbit, ISRO Chairman S Somanath outlined the plans for the ambitious lunar endeavor.

While demonstrating the capability to reignite engines on the lunar surface and return a spacecraft to Earth orbit, ISRO acknowledges the need to showcase the docking of systems before venturing into the complex task of lunar sample return. The Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) has been identified as a crucial milestone for this mission, aiming to provide essential data on space rendezvous technology.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath explained, "The sample return mission is much more complex, involving maneuvers such as collecting samples, placing them in a canister, returning the unit to the Moon's orbit, and docking with a spacecraft that will return to Earth's orbit. SPADEX will be vital not only for lunar sample return but also for advancements in space rendezvous technology critical for future space stations and human space exploration."

SPADEX is slated for the end of 2024, with preparations underway for the satellite launch that will facilitate this significant experiment. The success of SPADEX will mark a significant milestone for ISRO's lunar exploration ambitions.

Regarding the progress of Chandrayaan-4, Somanath revealed, "We've identified a team, reviewed the initial project and overall architecture. Now, system-by-system review, technology review, and departmental review are underway."

ISRO is also collaborating with Japan on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, aimed at confirming the presence of water in the moon's polar regions. While both Chandrayaan-4 and LUPEX are in the approval process, Somanath refrained from predicting which mission would take precedence.

The recent return of Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module, with a 44-day journey involving intricate maneuvers, has injected momentum into ISRO's lunar aspirations. The propulsion module, currently orbiting Earth, will continue its mission using the SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth) payload, studying habitable planet-like features of Earth whenever visible to the module. As ISRO progresses, these achievements pave the way for India's advancements in lunar exploration and space technology.

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