Chandrayaan-4’s Bold New Approach: Two Launches, One Mission, Assembled in Space

ISRO’s ambitious plan to send Chandrayaan-4 to the Moon involves a groundbreaking strategy: launching the spacecraft in two separate parts and assembling them in lunar orbit. This innovative approach, revealed by ISRO chief S. Somanath, promises to unlock greater scientific potential and optimize mission resources.

Here’s what we know about Chandrayaan-4’s two-part launch:

• Two Separate Launches: The mission will involve launching the lander and rover in one rocket and the propulsion module in a separate launch. This strategy offers several advantages:

* Reduced Payload Limitations: Launching the lander and rover separately alleviates the weight constraints of a single launch vehicle, enabling ISRO to send a heavier payload to the Moon.
* Flexibility and Optimization: This approach allows for independent optimization of each launch vehicle and the payload it carries, maximizing efficiency and minimizing cost.
* Modular Design: The two-part launch allows for the development and testing of each component independently, simplifying the overall mission design.

• Assembly in Lunar Orbit: Once both parts reach lunar orbit, they will be carefully maneuvered and docked together. This in-space assembly technique is a testament to ISRO’s growing expertise in advanced space technology.
• Scientific Goals: Chandrayaan-4, similar to its predecessor Chandrayaan-3, aims to explore the Moon’s south polar region, specifically focusing on:

* Lunar Water Ice: Investigating the presence and distribution of water ice in permanently shadowed craters.
* Geochemistry and Mineralogy: Studying the composition and structure of the lunar surface.
* Exosphere and Plasma Environment: Analyzing the thin atmosphere and charged particles surrounding the Moon.

ISRO’s ambitious two-part launch strategy for Chandrayaan-4 is a testament to its commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. This groundbreaking approach signifies India’s growing prowess in space technology and promises to yield valuable scientific insights about our celestial neighbor.

Keywords: Chandrayaan-4, ISRO, Two-part launch, Assembly in space, Lunar orbit, Moon mission, Scientific goals, Water ice, Geochemistry, Exosphere, Plasma environment, Space exploration, Innovation, India.

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