Chandrayaan-4 is India’s next ambitious leap in lunar exploration, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space journey. Scheduled for launch around 2027–2028, this mission is set to bring back precious lunar samples to Earth, making India only the fourth nation to achieve such a feat. Mission Overview Chandrayaan-4 is a lunar sample return mission led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission will involve five distinct modules, making it far more complex than its predecessors. These modules will be launched using two heavy-lift LVM-3 rockets, with intricate docking and undocking operations in Earth and lunar orbit. Key Objectives - Perform a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. - Collect and store up to 3 kg of lunar regolith (soil and rock samples) from the Moon’s surface.- Demonstrate ascent from the Moon’s surface and docking in lunar orbit. - Transfer samples between modules and return them safely to Earth for scientific study. - Validate technologies crucial for future crewed lunar missions, including advanced docking and robotic systems. Mission Components Chandrayaan-4 will consist of five modules: - Ascender Module (AM): Collects and transfers samples. - Descender Module (DM): Lands on the Moon and collects samples. - Re-entry Module (RM): Returns samples to Earth. - Transfer Module (TM): Facilitates docking and sample transfer. - Propulsion Module (PM): Provides propulsion for the journey. Technological Advancements This mission will be the first for ISRO to involve complex docking maneuvers in space, a critical step for future space station and crewed lunar missions. The robotic arms and specialized payloads being developed for Chandrayaan-4 will also pave the way for more advanced exploration and scientific research. Significance and Future Impact Chandrayaan-4 is not just about bringing back lunar samples; it is a foundational mission for India’s long-term space ambitions, including the planned crewed lunar landing by 2040 and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035. The mission will also deepen scientific understanding of the Moon’s geology and history, with samples analyzed in Indian laboratories. Chandrayaan-4 represents a bold step forward for India’s space program, showcasing the nation’s growing technological prowess and commitment to scientific discovery. As the world watches, India prepares to join the elite group of countries capable of returning lunar samples, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the decades ahead. The key scientific objectives to highlight in the article about Chandrayaan-4 are:

• Performing a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
• Demonstrating lunar sample collection and containerization.
• Collecting up to 3 kg of lunar regolith from the Moon’s surface for detailed scientific analysis on Earth.
• Demonstrating ascent from the Moon's surface to lunar orbit.
•  Demonstrating docking and undocking maneuvers between spacecraft modules in lunar orbit.
• Demonstrating transfer of the collected samples from one module to another.
• Safely returning the lunar samples to Earth for extensive laboratory examination.
• Enabling advanced study of the presence and quantity of water on the Moon, especially in the polar regions.
• Validating critical technologies for future manned lunar missions, such as robotic arms, high-capacity propulsion, and in-orbit docking.