India has announced its ambitious Chandrayaan-4 mission, featuring advanced docking technology and lunar sample collection. The mission is a key step in the country’s goal of establishing its own space station by 2040, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh during a Lok Sabha session.
The mission will involve two launch vehicles carrying five components, executing complex maneuvers, including docking in Earth’s orbit before heading to the Moon. Upon reaching lunar orbit, the modules will separate, with one collecting samples while another docks for return to Earth. This operation will simulate critical aspects of crewed lunar missions, setting the stage for India’s long-term objective of sending astronauts to the Moon.
In related developments, India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is moving forward with four astronauts undergoing rigorous training. One of these astronauts, Group Captain Shukla, has been selected for a mission to the International Space Station.
The Minister also highlighted the broader applications of space technology, such as its integration into urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture. As India’s space program gains global recognition, Chandrayaan-4 is expected to solidify the country’s position in the global space race and pave the way for deeper space exploration initiatives.
