Chandrayaan-4 parts to be sent in 2 launches, assembled in space: ISRO chief
- Chandrayaan-4, which is supposed to bring back samples from the Moon, would not be launched at one go and instead, different parts of the spacecraft would be sent into orbit through two launches, and the spacecraft would be assembled in space before proceeding to the Moon, ISRO Chairman.
Highlights:
- Chandrayaan-4 is expected to be beyond the carrying capacity of even the most powerful rocket that ISRO currently has.
- The International Space Station and all previous similar facilities were built by assembling different parts in space.
- However, this would be probably the first time in the world that a spacecraft would be launched in parts and then assembled in space.
- Need for docking capability (joining of different parts of a spacecraft) in space — both in Earth space as well as in Moon space, is what ISRO is working on
- Docking of spacecraft modules on the return journey from the Moon is a fairly routine maneuver.
- A part of the spacecraft detaches from the main spacecraft and makes a landing while the other part remains in the Moon orbit. When the landing part leaves the Moon’s surface, it docks and links up with the orbiting part, becoming one unit again.
- A detailed study, internal review, and cost for the Chandrayaan-4 mission have been worked out which will soon be sent to the government for approval.
- This is one of the four project proposals that the space agency plans seek approval for in line with its Vision 2047, which has envisioned India building its own space station by 2035 and sending humans to the Moon by 2040.
- India’s space station, named Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), would also be set up by carrying different parts of the infrastructure in multiple launches.
- “The first segment of the BAS can be launched using the LVM3 rocket because it is the only rocket available today and we have decided that by 2028 we should have the first launch of the BAS.
- ISRO chief said the subsequent modules of BAS would be lifted either by an upgraded version of LVM3 or the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), a heavy rocket that is currently under development. He said the full design and production plan for NGLV had been prepared.
- ISRO is also creating a new launch complex for the bigger and heavier NGLV. He said the current launch complex would not be adequate for the 4,000 ton rocket. “It requires a huge facility and processing capability.
Prelims Takeaway:
- ISRO
- NGLV