Context:
Recently, the Science and Technology Minister announced that India will launch the Chandrayaan-4 mission in 2027.
About Chandrayan-4 Mission
- After the success of the Chandrayan-3 Mission, India is set to launch its 4th Chandrayan Mission to bring back samples of moon rocks.
- It will demonstrate advanced technologies for docking, undocking, landing, and safe return to Earth, along with lunar sample collection and analysis.
- India would join the United States, Russia, and China in achieving this remarkable feat after the successful mission.
objectives
- Show the ability to take off from the lunar surface after collecting samples around the landing with the help of cameras and sensors onboard the spacecraft modules to provide valuable insights.
- Safely bring the samples (moon rocks) back to Earth.
- Ensure the samples are protected from damage and contamination during the return journey.
Launching of Mission
- It will involve two separate launches of the heavy-lift LVM-3 rocket that will carry five different Modules of the mission which will be assembled in orbit.
Technological Innovations
- The mission will showcase several advanced technologies, including:
- Surface Sampling and Drilling Mechanism: A robotic arm and drilling tool will collect both surface and sub-surface samples.
- Sample Storage and Containment: The samples will be sealed and stored to prevent contamination during the return journey.
- Docking and Sample Transfer: After collecting the samples, the Ascender Module (AM) will dock with the Transfer Module (TM) and Re-entry Module (RM) to return the samples to Earth.
