How India is preparing for a manned moon mission 16 years from now

In a bold move that solidifies India’s position as a major player in space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is gearing up for its most ambitious lunar mission yet – Chandrayaan-4.
This groundbreaking mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday with a budget of Rs 2,104.06 crore, is set to lay the foundation for India’s ultimate goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2040.
Chandrayaan-4, slated for launch in 2027, will be a critical stepping stone in India’s lunar exploration program.

The mission aims to demonstrate key technologies essential for future crewed missions, including precision landing, sample collection, and safe return to Earth. This sample return mission will mark a significant leap forward from the successful Chandrayaan-3 landing, pushing the boundaries of India’s space capabilities.
The mission’s design incorporates five modules across two separate launches, showcasing Isro’s innovative approach to complex space operations. These modules will work in tandem to land on the Moon, collect samples, and return them safely to Earth – a feat accomplished by only a handful of nations including the US and China.
By mastering these technologies, Chandrayaan-4 will directly contribute to the development of systems required for India’s planned crewed lunar landing in 2040.
The mission will validate critical processes such as docking and undocking in lunar orbit, precise landing techniques, and the safe return of spacecraft through Earth’s atmosphere.
Isro Chairman S. Somanath emphasised the mission’s importance, stating, “Chandrayaan-4 is not just about bringing back Moon rocks. It’s about proving our ability to send humans to the Moon and bring them back safely.”
The approval of Chandrayaan-4 comes as part of a broader push in India’s space sector, which includes plans for a Venus orbiter mission and the development of India’s own space station by 2035.
The Centre also approved and expanded the scope of the Gaganyaan mission. The Indian space agency will now have a wider mission to conduct eight launches by 2028 to set the ball rolling for setting up the Bhartiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in low-Earth orbit.
The plans hinge on the success of Gaganyaan mission as Isro preps for the maiden uncrewed launch of the project by 2025.

These ambitious projects point to India’s commitment to becoming a leading space power in the coming decades.
With each successful mission, India moves closer to its goal of placing an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface, a dream that now seems within reach.