SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its next big venture in lunar exploration with the Chandrayaan-4 mission. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently disclosed new information about the upcoming mission, highlighting its complexity and the cutting-edge technology that will be employed. Chandrayaan-4 is set to be a landmark mission for India, involving a sample return mission from the Moon—an ambitious feat that has only been attempted by a few countries to date.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission is designed as a sample return mission that will bring back materials from the lunar surface to Earth. This complex mission involves five separate modules, each with a distinct role. After reaching lunar orbit, the mission will unfold through several intricate stages:
Lunar Orbit Insertion: The Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft will first enter into lunar orbit. Upon reaching the desired orbit around the Moon, the spacecraft will prepare for the deployment of two specialized modules.
Separation and Lunar Landing: Two of the five modules will detach from the main spacecraft and make a controlled descent to the Moon’s surface. These modules are designed to work collaboratively to collect samples from the lunar surface. The success of this stage will be crucial, as it will involve precision landing and deployment technologies.
Sample Collection and Ascent: After landing, the two modules will begin their primary task of collecting lunar soil and rock samples. One of the modules is equipped to launch itself back from the Moon’s surface, carrying the collected samples. This ascent module will travel back to the main spacecraft in lunar orbit.
Docking in Lunar Orbit: The return of the ascent module to the main spacecraft will require precise docking capabilities. ISRO will perform docking of space modules twice during the Chandrayaan-4 mission—first when the ascent module rejoins the main spacecraft, and second when the samples are transferred to a specially designed Earth re-entry vehicle.
Earth Re-entry and Sample Return: The Earth re-entry vehicle, which will be launched separately from the ground, will dock with the main spacecraft in lunar orbit to receive the collected samples. Once the transfer is complete, the re-entry vehicle will detach and commence its journey back to Earth. This module will be responsible for safely returning the lunar samples to Earth, where they can be studied in detail.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission presents several technological challenges that ISRO must overcome. One of the most significant challenges is the docking of spacecraft modules in lunar orbit—an operation that requires extreme precision. S. Somanath mentioned that ISRO has never conducted docking operations before, and this capability will be demonstrated for the first time later this year with the Spadex mission.
Docking involves aligning two spacecraft moving at high speeds in precise orbits and joining them together without any errors. It is a delicate operation requiring advanced navigation, control, and sensor technologies. Successfully executing docking maneuvers will not only be a significant milestone for Chandrayaan-4 but also enhance ISRO’s capabilities for future interplanetary missions.
According to S. Somanath, the designs for the Chandrayaan-4 mission have been finalized, and the project is currently awaiting final government approval. This mission, with its intricate stages and ambitious goals, is set to further solidify India’s position as a leading player in space exploration. The Chandrayaan-4 mission will be a testament to ISRO’s growing expertise in advanced space technologies and mission planning.