Chandrayaan-4’s Dual Launch: ISRO’s Strategy for Lunar Triumph : S Somanath

Chandrayaan-4’s Mission Blueprint Revealed

At a recent event in Delhi, ISRO Chairman S Somanath shared insights into the Chandrayaan-4 mission. Mission’s goal is to collect samples from the Moon and return them to Earth. Due to the limitations of ISRO’s current rocket capabilities, the mission will be executed in multiple launches.

Strategic Multi-Launch Approach

Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft will be launched in parts, as the existing rockets aren’t powerful enough to send the entire assembly in one go. Strategic approach allows for the careful management of resources and ensures the mission’s success.

Innovative Docking Techniques

To facilitate this multi-launch strategy, ISRO is developing advanced docking capabilities. Enable the different parts of the spacecraft to join together in space, both in Earth’s orbit and lunar orbit.

To execute the assembly of different parts of the spacecraft in space, docking capability is essential. This capability is required both in Earth space and Moon space. ISRO is actively developing this docking capability to ensure the success of future missions. As part of this endeavor, a mission called Spadex has been scheduled for later this year. Spadex will serve as a demonstration mission to showcase ISRO’s docking capability, marking an important milestone in the agency’s pursuit of advanced space technologies.

Docking of spacecraft modules during the return journey from the Moon is a well-established procedure in space exploration. This maneuver involves detaching a specific module from the main spacecraft, which then makes a controlled landing on the lunar surface. Meanwhile, the remaining part of the spacecraft continues to orbit the Moon.

Once the module on the lunar surface completes its mission and prepares to depart, it undergoes a docking process with the orbiting module. Docking allows the two components to reconnect and merge into a unified unit once again. Routine maneuver ensures the safe and efficient return of the spacecraft and its valuable cargo from the Moon back to Earth.

Spadex: Pioneering Mission

Upcoming Spadex mission will demonstrate these docking capabilities. Mission is crucial for the success of Chandrayaan-4, as it will validate the techniques required for in-orbit assembly.

Upcoming Spadex mission holds great significance as it will serve as a pioneering demonstration of docking capabilities. Mission is of utmost importance for the success of Chandrayaan-4, as it will validate the crucial techniques necessary for in-orbit assembly.

By showcasing the ability to dock and assemble spacecraft components in space, Spadex will pave the way for future missions that require the assembly of complex structures and modules while in orbit. Technological milestone marks a key step forward in India’s space exploration endeavors and opens up new possibilities for advanced space missions.

First in Space Exploration

While docking maneuvers are common for missions returning from the Moon, Chandrayaan-4 will mark the first time modules are docked in Earth’s orbit for a journey to the Moon. Innovative step could set a new precedent in space exploration.

ISRO’s meticulous planning and innovative strategies for the Chandrayaan-4 mission underscore its commitment to advancing India’s capabilities in space science and exploration. World eagerly awaits the launch of this ambitious mission, which promises to deepen our understanding of the Moon and space travel.

ISRO is also creating a new launch complex for the bigger and heavier NGLV. He said the current launch complex would not be adequate for the 4,000 ton rocket. “It requires a huge facility and processing capability,” he said.