New Delhi: India's ambitious Chandrayaan-4 mission, set to launch in 2027, aims to bring back samples of moon rocks to Earth, according to Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission will involve at least two launches of the heavy-lift LVM-3 rocket, which will carry five components that will be assembled in orbit. The mission's primary objective is to collect samples from the moon’s surface and return them to Earth.

"The Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to collect samples from the moon's surface and bring them back to the Earth," Singh stated in an interview with PTI Videos.

In addition to Chandrayaan-4, India has several significant missions in the pipeline. The Gaganyaan mission, aimed at sending Indian astronauts to low-Earth orbit in a specially designed spacecraft, is scheduled for launch next year. In 2026, the Samudrayaan mission will also take place, sending three scientists in a submersible to explore the deep ocean, reaching depths of up to 6,000 meters.

"This achievement will align with the timelines of India's other landmark missions, including the Gaganyaan space mission, marking a pleasant coincidence in the nation's journey toward scientific excellence," Singh remarked.

Focus on Samudrayaan’s impact

Singh also highlighted the potential of the Samudrayaan mission, which was prominently mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. The mission’s objectives include unlocking vast resources like critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity, all vital to India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The Gaganyaan project will also feature its first uncrewed mission this year, which will carry a robot named ‘Vyommitra’.

Minister Singh outlined the significant advancements in India’s space sector, noting that while the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in 1969, it took over two decades to set up the first launch pad in 1993. A second pad was built in 2004, and now, a third is being constructed to support heavier rockets. Additionally, India is expanding its reach beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district, designed for launching small satellites.

India’s space economy 

Singh forecasted a major boost to India’s space economy, projecting its current value of USD 8 billion to grow to USD 44 billion in the next decade. He attributed this rapid growth to infrastructure expansion, private sector participation, and increased investment.

“The reforms initiated in the past decade, including unlocking the space sector for private players, have led to greater innovation, investment, and international collaborations,” Singh noted.

With PTI inputs