ISRO Accelerates Lunar Ambitions with Chandrayaan-4 and 5: Sample Return, Polar Rover, and Global Partnerships in Play

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has officially confirmed that Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 are actively in development—marking a bold leap in India’s lunar ambitions.

Mission Highlights

Chandrayaan-4

• Scheduled for launch around 2027
• Will be India’s first lunar sample-return mission, targeting the Shiv Shakti landing site
• Includes a Venus Orbiter Mission, expanding ISRO’s interplanetary portfolio

Chandrayaan-5

• A joint venture with Japan’s JAXA
• Features a 250 kg rover—a major upgrade from Chandrayaan-3’s 25 kg Pragyan rover
• Designed to operate through the harsh lunar night at the Moon’s south pole

Technologies Powering Chandrayaan-4 & Chandrayaan-5

Chandrayaan-4: Lunar Sample Return Mission

This mission is a complex ballet of modular engineering and orbital choreography:

Module	Function
Propulsion System	Transports lander and ascender to lunar orbit
Descender (Lander)	Executes soft landing and collects lunar regolith
Ascender	Detaches post-sampling and lifts off from Moon’s surface
Transfer Module	Receives samples from Ascender and hands off to Re-entry Module
Re-entry Module	Returns samples safely to Earth, designed to survive atmospheric re-entry

• Space Docking Capability via SPADEX experiment
• Dual Rocket Launch Strategy using LVM3 and PSLV
• Robotic Sampling Arm for precise regolith collection
• Thermal Shielding for safe Earth re-entry

Chandrayaan-5: Indo-Japanese LUPEX Mission

This mission is all about long-duration survival and deep polar exploration:

 

Feature	Details
Heavy Rover (250 kg)	Equipped for subsurface analysis and night-time operation
Advanced Power Systems	Likely includes RTGs or high-efficiency solar arrays
JAXA Collaboration	Brings precision landing and terrain mapping expertise
South Pole Targeting	Focus on permanently shadowed regions for water ice detection

• Autonomous Navigation for rugged terrain and low-light conditions
• Cryogenic Sampling Tools to extract and preserve volatiles
• Radiation-Hardened Electronics for extreme lunar environments

Strategic Impact

These missions aren’t just scientific—they’re foundational for:

• Crewed lunar landings by 2040
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station development
• Global partnerships in deep space exploration

Broader Vision

• ISRO is also developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with the first module planned for 2028 and full deployment by 2035. 
• The Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission will see an uncrewed launch in December 2025, followed by a crewed mission in early 2027. 
• India aims for a crewed lunar landing by 2040, using fully indigenous technologies

This roadmap positions India among the elite spacefaring nations, blending scientific ambition with strategic partnerships. Want a visual timeline or stylized summary for editorial use? I’d be thrilled to co-create one with you.

ISRO's Plan to Assemble Chandrayan–4 in Space and Bring Moondust Home

ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 mission is an ambitious and innovative project by the Indian space agency. Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample return mission, expected to launch around 2027. It will be the fourth mission in ISRO’s Chandrayaan series.

The mission will utilize two rockets to carry different modules into space. This includes the Ascender, Descender, Propulsion, Transfer, and Re-entry modules.

Unlike previous missions, Chandrayaan-4 will be assembled in space. The modules will be assembled in space, demonstrating advanced docking and robotic capabilities. After assembly, the spacecraft will proceed with its mission objectives, including traveling to the Moon, landing, collecting samples, and returning to Earth.

Stacks in Chandrayaan-4, which comprises the Ascender and Descender Modules

Stacks in Chandrayaan-4, which comprises the Transfer, Re-entry and Propulsion Modules

To achieve this, the process involves launching the mission in two parts and then performing a complex docking maneuver in Earth's orbit to integrate the modules into a single spacecraft.

Once the spacecraft reaches the Moon, the Descender module will perform a controlled soft landing. A robotic arm will then collect 2 to 3 kg of lunar soil a.k.a Moondust and subsurface material. The collected Moondust will be stored in the Ascender module, which will lift off from the Moon and dock with the Transfer and Re-entry modules for the journey back to Earth.

This mission not only aims to bring back lunar samples but also demonstrates advanced space technologies, setting a significant milestone for India's space exploration efforts.

Chandrayaan-4 aims to study the composition and mineralogy of the lunar surface, probe the subsurface for water ice and other volatiles, and analyze the returned samples for insights into the Moon’s geology and history.

This mission not only aims to enhance our understanding of the Moon but also showcases India’s growing capabilities in space exploration.

Several notable space missions have utilized in-space assembly techniques to achieve their objectives. International Space Station (ISS) is one of the most prominent examples of in-space assembly. It was constructed over multiple missions, with various modules and components launched separately and assembled in orbit by astronauts and robotic systems.

Besides, part of NASA’s Artemis program, the Lunar Gateway will be a space station orbiting the Moon. It will be assembled in space from multiple modules launched separately, providing a staging point for lunar exploration.

NASA’s In-Space Assembled Telescope (iSAT) project involves assembling a large aperture telescope in space, which will provide unprecedented spatial resolution and spectral coverage for astrophysics, planetary, and Earth science.

India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, planned for lunar sample return from the Southern polar region is of utmost significance. This is more so after India’s systematic exploration of the Moon through orbiter, lander and rover. Lunar surface exploration missions followed by sample return will be the next major step in lunar exploration for India, and will result in important contributions in understanding the Earth-Moon system.

The total cost of the mission is estimated at 2104.06 Crore Indian Rupees, covering spacecraft development, two LVM3 launches, International network support, and various tests. Chandrayaan-4 will pave the way for India's future manned missions, lunar sample return, and scientific analysis.

India Now Only Country to Land A Spacecraft Near the Moon's South Pole

India, on Wednesday evening, successfully soft landed it's Spacecraft — Chandrayaan-3 on the surface of Moon in the South Pole area.

The Chandrayaan-3, lander made a "soft landing" on the lunar surface just after 18:04 India time (1234 UTC).

With this triumph, India becomes the fourth country after the US, the former Soviet Union, and China to achieve the feat and the first, and only country to date, to land near the moon's south pole.

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi has remarked that Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrors the aspirations and capabilities of 140 crore Indians.

Sharing a post on X by Indian Space Research Organisation, the Prime Minister said, “Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrors the aspirations and capabilities of 140 crore Indians.

To new horizons and beyond!"

Earlier today, the Prime Minister highlighted setting ambitious goals for the future and informed that ISRO is soon going to launch the ‘Aditya L-1’ mission for a detailed study of the Sun. He also touched upon Venus being one of ISRO’s goals. “India is proving again and again that the sky is not the limit”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted Mission Gaganyaan where India is fully prepared for its first human space flight mission.

Brains behind Chandrayaan-3 (Image [edited] source - TV9Hindi) 

ISRO feat comes just days after its long time ally Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the moon after losing control.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also MoS Incharge Space, said — “Hail India on Moon! Hail ISRO!”

Dr Jitendra Singh said, “While others fantasize Moon, we have felt the Moon. While others stuck in flight of dreams, Chandrayaan3 has actualised the dream. Tricolour flies high in lunar skies affirming India’s resolve, as articulated by PM Modi, ‘Sky is not the limit’”.

In a brief statement to the media, Dr Jitendra Singh complimented ISRO Chairman, Shri S. Somanath, Mission Director, Shri Mohan Kumar and the entire Team ISRO for having placed India’s national pride on the Moon in the virgin terrain of South Polar area, not accessed by any other space mission so far. He said, it is difficult for common citizens to understand how much consistent labour, hard work, commitment and passion have been put in while working day and night for months and years together to ensure meticulous planning and minutest details for the success of the mission.

Chandrayaan-3: Passenger Aboard Flight Captures Mesmerising Video of The Lift-off

Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar exploration mission, on board the heavy-lift GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) rocket was launched on July 14 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

The day when India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 was launched, a passenger from the aboard IndiGo plane made a video of this special launch sight. An Indigo flight was going from Chennai to Dhaka when the pilot made the announcement to the passengers that "history is being made on your left". That's when people in the flight captured this historical and amazing sight in their mobile phones.

I’m lucky yesterday to witness the historical launch of Chandrayan 3 from flight. Sometime after takeoff from Chennai to Dhaka flight, pilot announced to watch this historical event who sits left side of the flight #indigo6e #ISRO #Chandrayaan3 #Chennai pic.twitter.com/2kict9dBdR

— Ponraj (@aponraj1) July 15, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 passing through the clouds is the witness of how glorious that moment would be for India.

About 40 days later, on August 24, the robotic device of the Chandrayaan 3 mission will land on the south pole of the Moon, which has not yet been discovered. So far only three countries, the US, China and Russia have been successful in landing on the surface of the Moon.

In an another instance, a picture of Chandrayaan-3 lighting up Australia's night sky is doing the rounds on social media and is captivating people with its beauty.

The picture was shared on Twitter by Dylan O’Donnell, who photoshoots from the Byron Bay Observatory, Australia, for Deography photo blog, writes for Celestron & Photographing Space, and provides science outreach for schools and students.

Just watched India’s space agency launch their moon rocket on YT then fly over my house 30 mins later! Congrats @isro ! Hopefully you stick the landing 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/ETP8xL8lqv

— Dylan O'Donnell (@erfmufn) July 14, 2023

ISRO and Austria-based Moon Village Association Collborate for the Outreach of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission

India's space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Vienna, Austria based Moon Village Association (MVA), are announced that the two will host global outreach activities in connection with the proposed Chandrayaan-3 launch by Indian Space Research Organisation.

The Moon Village Association (MVA) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), founded in 2017. Its goal is the creation of a permanent global informal forum for stakeholders like governments, industry, academia and the general public interested in the development of the Moon Village.

The common goal of these activities is to increase the impact of the ISRO lunar programme on a global scale and foster further international cooperation. The two organisations are cooperating to focus on the global aspect of lunar exploration and identify, communicate, and encourage the youth to focus on the mutual benefits that the entire world gets at every lunar mission.

The topics proposed for possible cooperation are the following:

1. Global Video Competition:A global video competition wishing the Chandrayaan-3 mission a great ride and a successful landing on the Moon by discussing the importance of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission for India and the Global Moon Exploration and Settlement.
Apply here - https://moonvillageassociation.org/chandrayaan-3-video-competition/

2. Webinars to brief the global audience about the mission; the challenges and the benefits.

Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the Moon Village Association, stated that “This joint activity with ISRO is an important collaboration that demonstrates the relevance of MVA as a platform to multiply national lunar program outreach efforts. With MVA hoping to grow and support developing countries, established and emerging space countries, and many more, we look forward to working with ISRO on this outreach effort.”

Sudheer Kumar N, Director, Capacity Building and Public Outreach, ISRO Headquarters, stated that “The Chandrayaan-3 mission is going to be an important milestone in the Indian Space programme, which is aimed to demonstrate the critical technologies to land the spacecraft on the south pole of the moon. The mission encompasses critical technologies that should reach the global youth to encourage the scientific temperament on lunar missions.”

Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the Moon Village Association, stated that “This joint activity with ISRO is an important collaboration that demonstrates the relevance of MVA as a platform to multiply national lunar program outreach efforts. With MVA hoping to grow and support developing countries, established and emerging space countries, and many more, we look forward to working with ISRO on this outreach effort.”

Sudheer Kumar N, Director, Capacity Building and Public Outreach, ISRO Headquarters, stated that “The Chandrayaan-3 mission is going to be an important milestone in the Indian Space programme, which is aimed to demonstrate the critical technologies to land the spacecraft on the south pole of the moon. The mission encompasses critical technologies that should reach the global youth to encourage the scientific temperament on lunar missions.”

The MVA fosters cooperation for existing or planned Moon exploration programs, whether public or private.

The MVA comprises more than 600 participants in MVA activities and 27 institutional members from more than 60 countries, representing a diverse array of technical, scientific, cultural, and interdisciplinary fields.

The MVA partners with non-space organisations to promote international discussions and formulation of plans to foster the development of the Moon Village, and is creating international, national and regional networks to engage civil society around the world. The Moon Village Association’s mission is unique, bridging together both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations offering them the opportunity to play a role in its realisation. There is no other organisation on the international scene having such a mission.

Chandrayaan-3 is Likely To Be Launched During 3rd Quarter of 2022

India's lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, is likely to be launched during third quarter of 2022 assuming normal work flow henceforth. In a written reply to a question in the Lok sabha today, he said, realization of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress. This was announced by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.

The realization of Chandrayaan-3 involves various process including finalization of configuration, subsystems realization, integration, spacecraft level detailed testing and a number of special tests to evaluate the system performance on earth. The realization progress was hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, all works that were possible in work from home mode were taken up even during lockdown periods. Chandrayaan-3 realization resumed after commencement of unlock period and is in matured stage of realization.

Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only include a lander and rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2. 

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow up of Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), after Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2, aimed at landing a rover on unchartered Lunar South Pole, was launched on July 22, 2019 on board India's most powerful geosynchronous launch vehicle. However, the lander Vikram hard-landed on September 7, 2019, crashing India's hope to become the first nation to successfully land on the lunar surface in its very first attempt.