*Union Cabinet Approves Chandrayaan-4 and Venus Orbiter Missions*
by Ashis Sinha
New Delhi: In a bold move to expand its space exploration efforts, the Union Cabinet has approved two major missions: the Chandrayaan-4 Mission and the Venus Orbiter Mission. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these initiatives, emphasizing their significance for India’s aspirations in space.
Chandrayaan-4 Mission
The Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to develop and demonstrate the technologies required for safely returning to Earth after a successful lunar landing. Additionally, it will involve the collection of lunar samples for analysis back on Earth.
Development and Launch: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will oversee the mission, expected to be completed within 36 months.
Budget: The total estimated cost for Chandrayaan-4 is ₹2,104.06 crore, which includes spacecraft development, two LVM3 launches, deep space network support, and special tests.
Significance: This mission is anticipated to bolster India’s self-sufficiency in technologies related to manned missions and lunar sample analysis, with significant participation from Indian industries and academic institutions.
Venus Orbiter Mission
The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) is focused on scientific exploration, aiming to enhance our understanding of Venus’s atmosphere and geology. The mission is set to generate extensive scientific data by probing the planet’s dense atmosphere.
Objectives: The mission will involve orbiting Venus with a scientific spacecraft to study its surface, subsurface, atmospheric processes, and the influence of the Sun on its atmosphere.
Importance: Understanding Venus is vital, as it is believed to have once harbored conditions suitable for life similar to Earth. The mission is slated for launch in March 2028.
Budget: ISRO will also handle the development and launch of the Venus Orbiter Mission, with a total budget of ₹1,236 crore, including ₹824 crore earmarked for spacecraft development.
These missions signify India’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration and scientific research, following its successful Mars missions and further establishing its presence in the global space community.
