Jitendra Singh says India plans Chandrayaan-4 mission with advanced docking

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Singh highlighted the importance of Chandrayaan-4 in strengthening India's space capabilities.

“This mission will not just be about landing on the Moon but also about mastering docking and undocking procedures, a key requirement for future interplanetary missions and space station operations,” he said.

The Minister further noted that India’s long-term objective includes sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, with Chandrayaan-4 serving as a precursor to that historic feat.

The Minister said the mission will involve two launch vehicles carrying five components in total.

"These modules will execute complex manoeuvres, including docking in Earth’s orbit before proceeding to the Moon," he said.

Upon reaching lunar orbit, the modules will separate, with the descender collecting samples while the ascender returns to dock with the remaining modules.

The return module will then make its way back to Earth, simulating key aspects of crewed lunar missions.

Jitendra Singh also touched upon the broader applications of space technology in governance and development.

Space-Based Innovations 

He emphasized that space-based innovations are now integrated into urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture, demonstrating how India's advancements in space science are benefiting the general public.

Additionally, he addressed queries about India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, confirming that the selected four astronauts are undergoing rigorous training.

"While one astronaut, Group Captain Shukla, was selected to participate in a mission to the International Space Station, the others remained in an intensive preparatory phase to ensure mission success," Singh said.

"India’s space program has gained global recognition, and with Chandrayaan-4, the country aims to take another significant leap. As the mission takes shape, it is expected to further cement India’s standing in the global space race and pave the way for future deep-space exploration," he said.

He made the remarks on a day when Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after getting stuck in space for nine months.