India to Launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2027: A Landmark in Space Exploration/भारत 2027 में चंद्रयान-4 लॉन्च करेगा: अंतरिक्ष अन्वेषण में एक ऐतिहासिक कदम

Why in News? India is gearing up to launch the Chandrayaan-4 mission in 2027, marking the country’s first attempt to collect and return samples from the Moon to Earth. Announced by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, this ambitious mission represents a significant leap in India’s space exploration journey. It will involve multiple launches of the LVM-3 rocket and complex orbital assembly before heading to the Moon. The mission underscores India’s growing capabilities in space research and technology.

About Chandrayaan-4:

The Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to:

• Collect Moon samples and bring them back to Earth, making it India’s first sample return mission.
• Utilize at least two launches of the LVM-3 rocket, which will carry five distinct components of the mission.
• Demonstrate advanced technologies for sample collection and safe return.

Chandrayaan-4 will further solidify India’s position in the global space arena, building on the success of previous Chandrayaan missions.

Overview of Chandrayaan Missions:

1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008):

• Objective: India’s first lunar mission aimed to map the Moon’s surface and study its mineral composition.
• Achievements:
  • Discovered water molecules on the Moon for the first time.
  • Successfully orbited the Moon and conducted scientific studies using an orbiter.

2. Chandrayaan-2 (2019):

• Objective: Study the Moon’s south pole with an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan).
• Achievements:
  • The orbiter continues to operate successfully, providing critical data about the Moon’s surface and environment.
  • However, the Vikram lander lost communication during its descent, leading to the mission being only partially successful.

3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023):

• Objective: Achieve a soft landing on the Moon, focusing on engineering improvements.
• Achievements:
  • India became the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole.
  • Successfully deployed the Pragyan rover to explore and analyze the lunar surface.

4. Chandrayaan-4 (2027):

• Objective: Conduct a sample return mission, collecting Moon material and returning it to Earth.
• Significance:
  • Demonstrates India’s advanced space technology.
  • Strengthens global scientific research by analyzing Moon samples on Earth.

India’s Other Upcoming Space Missions:

1. Gaganyaan Mission (2024):
   • India’s first manned mission to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit and bring them back safely.
   • Includes an uncrewed test mission featuring the humanoid robot ‘Vyommitra’ in 2023.
2. Samudrayaan Mission (2026):
   • Aims to send three scientists in a submersible to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
   • Focuses on seabed exploration for minerals, rare metals, and marine biodiversity.

Significance of India’s Space Advancements:

• India’s space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is expected to grow to $44 billion by 2035.
• Rapid developments in infrastructure:
  • A third launch pad for heavier rockets.
  • A small satellite launch facility in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
• Greater private sector involvement is driving innovation and commercialization in space research.

Conclusion:

Chandrayaan-4 represents a pivotal milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, taking the country closer to becoming a global leader in advanced space missions. Along with other initiatives like Gaganyaan and Samudrayaan, India is setting the stage for significant scientific discoveries and technological advancements, contributing to its growing space economy and international prestige.