ISRO confirmed that Chandrayaan-4, the country’s first lunar sample-return mission, is progressing as planned with a targeted launch in 2027. The mission aims to land on the Moon’s surface, collect soil samples using a robotic arm, lift off from the lunar terrain and safely return the material to Earth a milestone achieved so far only by a few spacefaring nations.
The spacecraft configuration has been finalised, and ISRO has completed critical design work related to avionics, flight dynamics and mission planning. These developments set the stage for hardware manufacturing and integrated testing over the next two years.
The selected landing region 84° to 86° south latitude lies in the Moon’s southern polar zone, an area that has become the focal point of global lunar science. Its proximity to Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs), believed to contain water ice and ancient geological deposits, could provide clues about the Moon’s evolution and potential in-situ resources for future missions.
No JAXA Collaboration for Chandrayaan-4, ISRO Confirms
Addressing speculation, ISRO clarified that the Chandrayaan-4 mission is an entirely Indian effort without collaboration from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). All systems, including the lander, sample-collection mechanisms and return module, are being developed indigenously.
Chandrayaan-5: A Landmark Indo-Japanese Lunar Mission
While Chandrayaan-4 remains an ISRO-exclusive mission, Chandrayaan-5 marks a significant collaboration between India and Japan. Under this partnership, ISRO is developing the lander, and JAXA is building the rover. Both agencies are working jointly to standardise mechanical, power, and data interfaces.
The mission will be launched on a JAXA launch vehicle, and coordination is underway for integration, testing protocols and launch operations. This Indo-Japanese venture strengthens scientific ties between the two countries and is expected to contribute to advanced lunar surface studies.
Gaganyaan Programme: India’s First Human Spaceflight Mission Advances
ISRO also provided updates on Gaganyaan, India’s flagship programme aimed at sending Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit. Key systems including the crew module, environmental control mechanisms, and abort systems have undergone multiple test validations. The recent test flights of the Crew Escape System have further strengthened confidence in mission safety.
The space agency is preparing for uncrewed test flights before placing astronauts aboard the final mission. Training for selected astronaut candidates, conducted in collaboration with international partners, continues to progress as per schedule.
India’s entry into human spaceflight is expected to position it among a select group of nations with independent crewed spaceflight capability and open avenues for future space-station participation.
A Transformative Phase for India’s Space Ambitions
From returning lunar samples to Earth to sending humans into space, ISRO is moving into a transformative decade. With a mix of indigenous technology, international collaborations and expanding scientific objectives, India’s space programme is growing rapidly, strengthening its global standing.
For citizens and space enthusiasts, the next few years promise to be among the most exciting in India’s space journey.