In order to boost India’s space ambitions, the Union Cabinet has approved to four major space missions, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These include the much-anticipated Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), the development of India’s first indigenous space station—the Bharatiya Anatriksh Station (BAS)—and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Chandrayaan-4, the fourth edition of India’s lunar explorations, has been allocated a budget of ₹2,104.06 crore and will build upon the groundbreaking success of Chandrayaan-3, which marked India as the first country to land a probe on the Moon’s south pole. The Chandrayaan-4 mission, scheduled for launch in 2027, aims to collect and return samples from the lunar surface. This will further advance India’s space capabilities by incorporating technologies like lunar docking, precision landing, and a safe return to Earth, setting the stage for future manned missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the mission, stating on X (formerly Twitter): ‘It would make everyone proud that Chandrayaan-4 has been cleared by the Cabinet! This would have multiple benefits, including making India even more self-reliant in space technologies, boosting innovation and supporting academia.’
In addition, the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) will focus on studying Venus’ atmosphere and unlocking the mysteries of the planet, while the Bharatiya Anatriksh Station will see India establish a permanent presence in space through the extension of the Gaganyaan programme. The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), designed to enhance ISRO’s launch capabilities, will significantly expand the country’s space exploration capacities.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission, projected to be completed within 36 months of approval, is a cornerstone in India’s journey toward a manned Moon landing by 2040, as outlined by government officials.
These ambitious projects are set to solidify India’s position as a global leader in space technology and exploration, fostering innovation and strengthening academic partnerships in the field.
