Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to bring lunar Soil Samples, after Chandrayaan-3 Success

After the triumphant accomplishment of Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shifts focus to Chandrayaan-4, with the ambitious goal of returning soil samples from the Moon.

During the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's 62nd foundation day ceremony, SAC/ISRO Director Nilesh Desai revealed that Chandrayaan-4 will conduct a sample return mission, marking a significant leap in lunar exploration.

Desai said, "The landing will be similar to Chandrayan-3, but the central module will return after docking with the orbiting module, which will later separate near the Earth's atmosphere, and the re-entry module will return with samples of Moon soil and rock. It's a very ambitious mission, and hopefully, in the next five to seven years, we will meet this challenge of bringing samples from the Moon's surface."

Chandrayaan-4 introduces a substantial 350-kilogram rover, a notable upgrade from its predecessor. The mission's challenge intensifies with a targeted landing on the Moon's rim, an unexplored area. The rover's exploration zone expands to 1 km × 1 km, enhancing the scope of scientific investigation.

The success of Chandrayaan-4 hinges on its ability to return lunar soil samples, a process involving intricate orbital maneuvers and the utilization of two launch vehicles.