• Source:JND
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Chandrayaan 4 Mission: The Union Cabinet Minister Ashwinin Vaishwanv announced the approval of important space missions, including the Chandrayaan-4. The mission aims to collect samples from the lunar surface and ensure their safe return to the Earth. Besides, the preparations for a manned mission to the moon have also received a nod from the centre. 

"Chandrayaan-4 mission has been expanded to add more elements. The next step is to get the manned mission to the Moon. All preparatory steps towards this have been approved. Venus Orbiter Mission, Gaganyaan follow-on and Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Next Generation Launch Vehicle development also given approval," Vaishnaw said.

Chandrayaan-4 will focus on showcasing the foundational technologies that are crucial for future lunar missions. It will include docking and undocking procedures, safe landing techniques, and the ability to return lunar samples to Earth. The mission works as a pivotal step towards India's goal of a manned lunar landing, planned for 2040.

Besides, the center's expanded vision for space exploration includes the establishment of the Indian Space Station by 2035 and also achieving a manned lunar landing by 2040. The Chandrayaan-4 mission is a key component of this vision.

According to CNBC, the mission's budget is set at ₹2,104.06 crore, covering spacecraft development, two LVM3 launch vehicles, deep space network support, and special design validation tests. The Chandrayaan-4 mission will not only strengthen the self-sufficiency of India in critical space technologies but will also ensure the establishment of facilities for lunar sample curation and analysis.

The cabinet has also approved follow-on missions for the Gaganyaan project and the development of a next-generation launch vehicle. The ISRO had recently completed testing and handed over the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).