The Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, announced that the Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft is scheduled to be launched in 2027 to collect soil samples from the lunar surface for analysis. In a statement regarding ISRO’s future plans, Minister Singh confirmed that the spacecraft will be launched using the LVM-3 rocket.Five essential components of the spacecraft will be launched separately into space using two rockets and subsequently assembled. Following this, the spacecraft will embark on a journey to the Moon. Rock samples will be collected from the lunar surface and brought back to Earth for analysis. The Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for the next year, during which Indian astronauts will be transported to low Earth orbit via the spacecraft and then returned to Earth. Prior to this, an uncrewed version of the Gaganyaan mission will deploy the ‘Vyommitra’ robot for testing. This uncrewed spacecraft is set to be launched this year.
India is set to undertake the Samudrayaan project next year. For this initiative, three scientists will be sent to a depth of 6,000 meters beneath the sea in a submersible, where they will conduct an exploration of the ocean floor. Prime Minister Modi highlighted this project in his Independence Day speech. The research aims to identify minerals and marine life present in the ocean, which will contribute to the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.India’s space economy is currently valued at 8 billion US dollars, with projections indicating it will rise to 44 billion dollars over the next decade. The reforms implemented in the space sector over the past ten years have facilitated the entry of private players, who are now driving innovation and development within the industry. This shift has led to an increase in international investment and collaboration. Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the future.
