“Cabinet Greenlights Funding for Chandrayaan-4, Venus Orbiter, and Three Other Space Missions”

In a significant boost to India’s space exploration capabilities, the Union Cabinet has approved funding for four major space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The cabinet’s decision includes a total investment exceeding ₹22,750 crore to advance India’s space technology and research.

Major Missions Approved

1. Chandrayaan-4: The fourth mission in India’s lunar exploration series has been granted ₹2,104.06 crore. Building on the success of Chandrayaan-3, which achieved a historic landing on the Moon’s south pole, Chandrayaan-4 aims to bring lunar surface samples back to Earth. Scheduled for launch in 2027, the mission will enhance technology for lunar docking, precision landing, and safe return.
2. Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM): With an allocation of ₹1,236 crore, this mission will be India’s first scientific venture to Venus. Set for a March 2028 launch, VOM will investigate Venus’s atmosphere and geology, offering insights into the planet’s extreme environment and its divergent evolutionary path from Earth.
3. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): The initial module of India’s ambitious space station project has received substantial funding. The BAS-1 module, targeted for launch in 2028, will be part of a larger project aiming to establish an orbiting research platform by 2035. The station will enable extended stays for astronauts and support research in microgravity and Earth observation.
4. Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Funding has also been approved for the development of NGLV, which aims to enhance India’s launch capabilities.

Government and ISRO Statements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in the cabinet’s approval of Chandrayaan-4, highlighting its role in advancing India’s self-reliance in space technologies. The mission is expected to take approximately 36 months from approval to completion.

The Venus Orbiter Mission is anticipated to provide valuable data about Venus, offering insights into planetary environments and contributing to the broader understanding of planetary science.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) represents a major leap in India’s space ambitions, expanding on the scope of the Gaganyaan program and setting the stage for future human spaceflight missions.

Context and Impact

This comprehensive approval comes as ISRO continues to push boundaries in space exploration. The funding will facilitate the development and launch of cutting-edge technologies and reinforce India’s position in the global space arena. The missions reflect a strategic effort to enhance scientific knowledge and technological prowess, bolstering India’s space capabilities for the coming decades.

Sources By Agencies

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