Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample return mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the fourth mission in the Chandrayaan lunar exploration program . As of January 2025, the conceptualization phase is complete, and the design phase is nearing completion . The mission is expected to launch around Oct 2027 .
Mission Objectives:
- To bring lunar samples back to Earth for scientific study .
- Safe and soft landing on the lunar surface .
- Demonstrate lunar sample collection and containerization .
- Demonstrate ascent from the Moon’s surface .
- Demonstrate docking and undocking in lunar orbit .
- To demonstrate transfer of samples from one module to another .
- Demonstrate return and re-entry to Earth for sample delivery .
Key Aspects of the Mission:
- Chandrayaan-4 will have five modules and require multiple dockings .
- The mission will involve multiple launches, docking capabilities, and robotic capabilities .
- The mission will have two separate launches using LVM3 launch vehicles and will be assembled in space .
- The integrated assembly of all modules after docking in Earth orbit is expected to weigh 9,200 kg .
- The samples will be collected from near Shiv Shakti Point, the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 .
- The mission will require the development of new technologies, including a high-capacity propulsion system, specialized payloads, and robotic arms for sample collection .
The Union Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission for ₹2,104.06 crore (US$240 million) and is expected to be completed within 36 months .
