We’re diving into the exciting realm of space exploration with India’s latest lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4.Following the triumph of Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is pushing the boundaries once again, this time with a unique two-stage launch and an ambitious goal to bring lunar rocks and soil back to Earth.
Video – https://youtu.be/wHbWZ3Pwahc
Remember Chandrayaan-3? One giant leap for mankind…well, India!
Chandrayaan-3 landed a rover on the Moon, but Chandrayaan-4 is setting its sights even higher. This mission isn’t just about landing, it’s about bringing a piece of the Moon back to Earth!
Video – https://youtu.be/wHbWZ3Pwahc
Here’s the coolest part: We’ll need two rockets!
That’s right, this mission is so complex it needs two separate launches! The first rocket, the mighty LVM-3, will carry the lander and its initial modules towards the Moon. The second launch, on the PSLV rocket, will send the Transfer and Re-entry modules on their way.
This has never been done before! It’s a whole new level of space collaboration for ISRO.
Launch Strategy: Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-4 won’t be a single-phase mission. Instead, it will unfold in two separate launches, utilizing India’s powerful launch vehicles, LVM-3 and PSLV. This strategic approach is set to propel not only vehicles that will touch down on the Moon but also retrieve precious samples for scientific exploration back on Earth.
Video – https://youtu.be/wHbWZ3Pwahc
Components of Chandrayaan-4: Chandrayaan-4 introduces two additional components, making it a five-module mission. Let’s break down the components that will embark on this lunar odyssey:
- Propulsion Module: Similar to Chandrayaan-3, this module will guide Chandrayaan-4 in lunar orbit before gracefully separating to fulfill its specific role.
- Descender Module: Responsible for the lunar landing, this module mirrors the Vikram lander’s role in Chandrayaan-3, aiming to touch down on the lunar surface with precision.
- Ascender Module: After collecting and storing lunar samples, the ascender module will detach from the lander and commence its journey back to Earth, marking a crucial step in the mission.
- Transfer Module: This module’s mission is to retrieve the ascender module from lunar orbit and initiate its return journey to Earth. It’s a pivotal element bridging the lunar and Earth-bound segments of the mission.
- Re-entry Module: The grand finale! This capsule, carrying the lunar regolith (rocks and soil), will make a triumphant return to Earth after a remarkable journey from the Moon.
Two-Stage Launch: The Chandrayaan-4 mission will witness two separate launches. The LVM-3, India’s heaviest launch vehicle, will carry three components—Propulsion, Descender, and Ascender Modules. Meanwhile, the Transfer and Re-entry Modules will hitch a ride on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), forming the first-ever dual-launch mission for a single lunar exploration endeavor.
If successful, Chandrayaan-4 will be a huge leap for India! It will join the elite club of nations that have brought back Moon samples, and unlock a treasure trove of information about our lunar neighbor.
Closing Thoughts: Chandrayaan-4 aims to build upon the success of Chandrayaan-3, pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration. If successful, India will join an elite group as the fourth nation to successfully bring back lunar samples. Stay tuned as we follow this fascinating journey into the cosmos, unlocking the secrets of the Moon and advancing humanity’s understanding of our celestial neighbors.
Video – https://youtu.be/wHbWZ3Pwahc
