Chandrayaan-4 to bring back 2-3 kg moon samples

India's next big step in exploring the habitability of the Moon will be to bring back samples from the lunar surface.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission, scheduled for 2029 at an estimated cost of ₹2,104.06 crore, will comprise five modules: the Ascender Module (AM), Descender Module (DM), Re-entry Module (RM), Transfer Module (TM) and Propulsion Module (PM). These will be launched as two stacks on two separate LVM3 launch vehicles.

"After touchdown, a robotic arm, also called the surface sampling robot, mounted on the DM will scoop 2-3 kg of samples from around the landing site and transfer them to a container on the AM. In addition, a drilling mechanism will collect sub-surface samples and transfer them to another container in the AM. The containers with samples will be sealed to prevent contamination and leakage during their journey to Earth. Various phases of sample collection operations will be monitored through video cameras," the Isro in a statement Tuesday.


The mission aims to use all critical technologies developed in the country. Indian industries are expected to play a pivotal role in realising the mission, promoting skill development, creating significant employment opportunities and driving technological advancements.