The Union Cabinet approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission and the construction of the first unit of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) on Wednesday. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet aims to expand India’s lunar exploration and space capabilities.
Chandrayaan-4 will focus on developing and demonstrating technologies to ensure safe astronaut returns from the Moon. The mission also plans to collect lunar samples and analyze them back on Earth. According to a Cabinet communique, “Chandrayaan-4 will establish foundational technologies for an Indian Moon landing planned by 2040.”
Mission Details and Funding
The mission will cost Rs 2,104.06 crore, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) managing the spacecraft’s development and launch. The funding includes spacecraft development, two launches using LVM3, and necessary tests for design validation. The Cabinet expects the mission to be completed within 36 months.
In addition to Chandrayaan-4, the Cabinet approved the development of BAS-1, aiming for an Indian Space Station by 2035. The Gaganyaan Programme has been revised to include an uncrewed precursor mission, with a total budget increase to Rs 20,193 crore. This initiative envisions eight missions, including four under Gaganyaan by 2026 and additional missions for technology demonstration by December 2028.
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