Chandrayaan-4 to Lead in Lunar Docking Innovations and Sample Retrieval: Jitendra Singh
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Synopsis
The Chandrayaan-4 mission, launching in 2047, will introduce lunar docking technology and facilitate lunar sample collection, according to Jitendra Singh. This mission is essential for India's future space initiatives, including the establishment of a space station and manned lunar missions.
Key Takeaways
- Chandrayaan-4 to launch in 2047.
- Mission will pioneer lunar docking technology.
- Aims to return lunar samples.
- Precursor to manned Moon missions.
- Involves advanced docking procedures.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The Chandrayaan-4 mission, set to launch in 2047, is expected to lead the way in lunar docking technology and facilitate the return of lunar samples, as stated by Union Minister of State for the Department of Space, Jitendra Singh, during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
Singh emphasized that the success of the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission is vital for India to establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and to initiate a manned mission to the Moon in the future.
“The Chandrayaan-4 mission will incorporate multiple advanced docking technologies and lunar sample collection, marking a significant advancement towards India's ambition of creating its own space station by 2040,” he remarked in the Lok Sabha.
Singh further underscored the mission's role in enhancing India's space capabilities.
“This mission is not solely focused on landing on the Moon but also on mastering docking and undocking techniques, which are essential for future interplanetary missions and operations of space stations,” he noted.
The Minister also mentioned that India's long-term plan includes sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, with Chandrayaan-4 acting as a precursor to that monumental achievement.
The mission will utilize two launch vehicles carrying a total of five components. These modules will perform intricate maneuvers, including docking in Earth’s orbit before heading to the Moon.
Upon achieving lunar orbit, the modules will separate, with the descender tasked with collecting samples while the ascender returns to dock with the remaining modules. The return module will then journey back to Earth, simulating critical elements of crewed lunar missions, as explained by Singh.
Additionally, the Central government has green-lighted the Chandrayaan 5 mission, which will deploy a substantial 250 kg rover to the Moon’s surface.
This mission, in partnership with Japan's space agency, aims to conduct thorough investigations of the Moon’s surface and composition.
Meanwhile, Singh celebrated the safe return of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, calling it a moment of glory, pride, and relief.
Williams spent approximately 286 days in space and returned to Earth early Wednesday morning aboard SpaceX’s Dragon.
