Science and Tech

India prepares to bring back samples from the Moon in 2027

India prepares to bring back samples from the Moon in 2027

Nov. 6 () –

India’s space agency, ISRO, plans to take its first step by the end of the year towards a sample return mission from the Moon.

This is the first space docking experiment to demonstrate its ability to carry out such a complex mission, as stated by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.

ISRO plans to execute the SPADEX (space docking experiment) mission in November-December this year with an eye on launching Chandrayaan-4 in 2027, but deep space probes to Venus and Mars They are not a priority for the agency at this time.

“Space vision 2047 indicates our priorities. We are building momentum to build our own space station and have more access to the Moon. The mission to Venus and a second mission to Mars have not been accelerated,” Somanth said in his speech during the Indian space congress, quoted by Deccan Herald.

The configuration of Chandrayaan-4 which will require multiple launches has been worked out and ‘space-to-earth’ and ‘space-to-moon’ docking capabilities have been developed.

The plan is to use five modules for reentry, transfer, ascent, descent and propulsion. In other words, there will be separate probes to soft-land on the lunar surface, collect samples, deliver them to lunar orbit, make the return journey to Earth, and land safely.

The mission requires a rendezvous in space which will be refined in the Rs 124 crore space docking experiment. The experience will be useful in building the Bharatiya Antariksha station, which will eventually comprise five modules, including facilities to accommodate crews in the future.

The first module of the Indian space station is scheduled for launch in 2028 using the LVM3 rocket. Another four modules will be lifted later using the LVM3 or the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is currently under development.

When asked about the human space flight program (Gaganyaan), Somnath said three crucial tests, including the first unmanned mission, will be completed by December. Two others are a vehicle demonstration test and a platform abort mission.

Regarding ISRO’s small satellite launch vehicle programme, Pawan Goenka, president of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), said six companies had shown interest in manufacturing these rockets, which will open the doors to the commercialization of launches in India.

Somanath said ISRO was considering 20 to 30 SSLV launches in India, although he made it clear that the rockets would be produced in the private sector.

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