India Gears Up for Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan Missions, Group Captain Shukla to Join ISS Mission

New Delhi: India’s ambitious space program is set to scale new heights as the government revealed key updates on the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission and the country’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that one of the four astronauts currently undergoing rigorous training for Gaganyaan, Group Captain Shukla, has been selected for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in India’s space journey.

During the session, Dr. Singh also provided crucial insights into Chandrayaan-4, which is poised to be a landmark mission featuring advanced docking technology and lunar sample collection. The mission is seen as a critical step toward India’s long-term goal of establishing its own space station by 2040. He emphasized that Chandrayaan-4 will not only focus on a successful lunar landing but also on mastering complex docking and undocking procedures, essential for future interplanetary missions and space station operations.

The mission architecture involves two launch vehicles carrying a total of five components. These modules will conduct intricate docking maneuvers in Earth’s orbit before heading to the Moon. Upon arrival, the descender module will land on the lunar surface to collect samples, while the ascender will return to dock with the remaining modules. The return module will then make its way back to Earth, refining critical techniques required for crewed lunar missions.

Dr. Singh also underscored the broader significance of space technology in governance and national development. He highlighted its applications in urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture, reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging space-based innovations for public welfare.

Regarding India’s maiden human spaceflight, Dr. Singh confirmed that the Gaganyaan astronauts continue their intensive training, ensuring mission success. While Group Captain Shukla will embark on the ISS mission, the remaining three astronauts will persist in their preparations for the highly anticipated Gaganyaan mission.