Chandrayaan-4: Everything it Aims to Achieve

Chandrayaan – 2, launched on 22nd July 2019, unfortunately, failed due to a software error on 6th September 2019. But after that, ISRO gained significant success with the Chandrayaan – 3 mission. With high advancements in technology, the Indian space system has touched new heights. The name “Chandrayaan” means “Mooncraft” in Sanskrit. Therefore, it suits the Chandrayaan Missions perfectly, as the goal of these missions is to explore the moon.

On 17th November 2023, the director of SAC(Space Application Centre) revealed ISRO’s plans for Chandrayaan – 4. One of the greatest minds of India, the chairman of ISRO, S Somanath later confirmed that on 26th February 2024. Let’s have a look at everything we know about the Chandrayaan – 4 mission for now.

The Goal Behind the Mission

The primary purpose of Chandrayaan – 4 is to explore the moon’s entire surface. The mission will target areas of the moon that have yet to be explored or studied before. This will give us new insights and information that can help scientists worldwide. The mission has the following key  goals:

Lunar Surface Exploration

Chandrayaan – 4 will explore new parts of the moon. It will study the surface, soil, and possible resources. This would allow a better understanding of the sustainability of future Lunar missions. This doesn’t just help India, but the rest of the countries trying to set-up a research base over the moon like the International Lunar Research Station.

Scientific Research

The Chandrayaar – 4 mission is aimed at performing various scientific experiments. These experiments will help us understand the Moon’s composition, in turn, allowing us to have a better understanding of how the Moon was created. This will also allow us to have a better understanding of the condition of Earth before the complete formation of the Moon.

Technology Demonstration

Chandrayaan – 4 will show new technologies developed by ISRO. This includes advancements in landing on the Moon, rovers, and communication systems. It will be a big help in preparing for the other upcoming space missions for ISRO, allowing them to be better equipped for missions to conquer the farther part of the space.

Importance of Lunar Surface Exploration

Lunar surface exploration plays a crucial role in the Chandrayaan – 4 mission. The rover placed on the moon’s surface will traverse across various terrains. It will take pictures and collect samples. This will help scientists understand the moon’s structure and composition better. By studying different areas, the mission will discover more about the moon’s history and the processes that shaped it. 

Lunar exploration is critical for several reasons:

• Future Missions: Data from the lunar exploration can inform the planning of subsequent missions. This covers the potential for human habitation on the moon or using the moon as a launchpad for trips to Mars.
• Scientific Information: Researching the moon teaches scientists about the solar system’s origins. It provides hints as to the formation process of planets, including Earth.
• Resource Identification: The moon may have resources like water and ice. These resources could support future missions and even human colonies.

Chandrayaan – 4: Design and Structure 

The Chandrayaan – 4 model will be better than the previous Chandrayaan versions. It would be designed to handle the tough environment on the moon. This model will consist of three main components: an Orbiter, a Lander, and a Rover.

• The Orbiter: The role of the orbiter is to map the moon’s surface precisely and send the information back to Earth for the next step of Lander. Orbiter has high-resolution cameras and scientific instruments.
• The Lander: The lander’s role is to make sure the landing of the rover on the moon’s surface is smooth and safe. It will be equipped with advanced tech which will provide for a seamless communication with the Rover.
• The Rover: As the name suggests, the rover will move around on the moon’s surface, doing experiments and collecting data. It has tools to study the soil and rocks. All in all, it will be inspecting the Moon’s

Challenges of the Mission

Every space mission has challenges. Chandrayaan – 4 is no different. Some of the main challenges are:

1. Landing Safely: It is very important that the lander touches down safely on the moon’s surface. This needs precise calculations and advanced technology.
2. Harsh Environment: The moon’s environment is tough, with extreme temperatures and radiation. The Chandrayaan – 4 model will be configured to withstand these conditions.
3. Communication: Keeping communication with the spacecraft as it explores the moon is crucial. The mission depends on a strong communication system to send data back to Earth.

Expected Achievements of Chandrayaan – 4

Chandrayaan – 4 will focus on the following:

1. Extensive Mapping: The orbiter will make detailed maps of the moon’s surface. This includes finding possible landing sites for future missions.
2. In-depth Analysis: The rover will study the moon’s soil and rocks. This will give valuable information about the moon’s composition and possible resources.
3. Technological Advances: The mission will show new technologies. This includes improvements in landing, moving around, and communication.

Future Implications of Chandrayaan – 4

Chandrayaan – 4 is not just about the “now”; it focuses on the future. The data and technologies from this mission will help future lunar exploration.

1. Human Missions: The information gathered could support future human missions to the moon. This includes finding safe landing sites and resources.
2. Interplanetary Missions: Successful lunar missions build confidence for bigger projects. This includes missions to Mars and beyond.

Final Thoughts about the Mission

Chandrayaan – 4 is a big step in India’s space exploration journey. Its focus on lunar surface exploration and scientific research will give valuable information. The mission’s success will not only help us understand the moon better but also help future space missions. With Chandrayaan – 4, India continues to reach for the stars, showing its skill in space technology and exploration. In the coming years, the data and knowledge from Chandrayaan – 4 will help scientists and researchers all over the world. It shows our curiosity and the endless search for knowledge. As we look forward to the mission’s accomplishments, one thing is clear: Chandrayaan – 4’s findings will certainly go down in history.

This might be a key step in sending humans to space and, possibly, setting up colonies there. With the evergrowing population, it is inevitable that one day, humans will become an interplanetary species. However, that day is still a bit far away. Want to know more about the large human population, read about the most populous countries in 2024.