ISRO’s Next Giant Leap: Chandrayaan 4, 5, and an Ambitious Satellite Roadmap

ISRO Chief S. Somanath recently unveiled exciting developments as India’s space agency marches forward with its lunar and satellite missions. After the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO has now completed the designs for Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, with plans to seek government approval soon. These missions are set to push the boundaries of India’s space exploration efforts, with Chandrayaan-4 particularly catching the eye for its ambitious goal of bringing lunar samples back to Earth.

Chandrayaan-4 is designed to be more than just another lunar lander. Its mission objectives include soft-landing on the moon, collecting samples of moon rocks and soil, and then launching a spacecraft from the lunar surface to bring these samples back to Earth. This complex mission will also involve demonstrating a space docking experiment in lunar orbit—a critical technology that could pave the way for more advanced deep-space missions in the future. The targeted launch date for Chandrayaan-4 is 2028, but the design phase has already been completed, and the space agency is now seeking approval to proceed.

Following Chandrayaan-4, ISRO is also planning Chandrayaan-5, though details about this mission remain under wraps. What’s clear is that these missions are part of a broader strategy by ISRO to maintain and expand India’s presence in space exploration, particularly in lunar science.

In addition to its lunar ambitions, ISRO is also gearing up for an extensive series of satellite launches over the next five years. The space agency plans to launch around 70 satellites, which will serve various purposes, from navigation and weather forecasting to earth observation and internet connectivity. This includes a new constellation of low earth orbit satellites designed to meet the growing demands of various Indian ministries and government departments.

Among these satellites are four for the NAVIC regional navigation system, which will provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing services. ISRO is also preparing to launch INSAT 4D weather satellites, which will enhance India’s ability to monitor and predict weather patterns. The Resourcesat series, aimed at resource monitoring, and Cartosat satellites, known for their high-resolution imaging capabilities, are also part of this ambitious satellite agenda.

Moreover, ISRO is developing the next generation of Oceansat satellites to monitor ocean and climate conditions. Two technology demonstration satellites, TD 01 and TD 02, are also in the works to test electric propulsion systems and quantum key distribution technologies—cutting-edge advancements that could significantly enhance satellite efficiency and security.

A crucial component of ISRO’s upcoming missions is the Gaganyaan project, India’s first manned space mission. The first unmanned flight for this project is scheduled for December 2024. According to Somanath, all the stages of the rocket have already been delivered to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, where the final integration and testing will take place. The Crew Module and the Crew Escape system are also nearing completion, with significant progress being made at various ISRO centers across the country.

While ISRO is forging ahead with these projects, it has temporarily shelved its planned mission to Venus. The mission is currently under re-evaluation, but it remains on the agency’s long-term radar.

Overall, ISRO’s roadmap for the coming years reflects a bold vision that seeks to elevate India’s capabilities in space exploration and satellite technology. With the successful design of Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, along with the planned launch of 70 satellites, ISRO is not just aiming for the moon but is also setting the stage for India’s future in space.