Chandrayaan-4, Venus Mission, And More: ISRO's Space Ambitions Receive Cabinet Backing

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the expansion of the Chandrayaan mission, following the success of its third phase, which landed a lander and rover on the Moon. In addition, it cleared the Venus orbiter mission, follow-up missions for Gaganyaan, the development of an Indian space station, and a next-generation launch vehicle.

What is Chandrayaan-4?

Chandrayaan-4 is India's upcoming lunar mission aimed at developing and demonstrating technology for a successful Moon landing and return to Earth. It will also involve collecting lunar samples for analysis back on Earth.

What is the Venus Orbiter Mission?

The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) is set to explore Venus's atmosphere and geology, gathering valuable scientific data by investigating its dense and complex atmosphere.

India to Launch its Own Space Station by 2028

The Cabinet also approved the creation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's own space station for scientific research. Currently, only the US-led International Space Station and China's Tiangong are operational. BAS is slated for its first module launch by 2028.

More Gaganyaan Missions Ahead

The Cabinet has also greenlit additional missions for Gaganyaan, India's crewed space program, along with the development of a next-generation launch vehicle. ISRO recently completed testing and handed over the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).