ISRO’s Chandrayaan-5 mission, featuring a 350 kg rover, has been officially approved, marking a big step forward for India’s lunar exploration plans. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, V. Narayanan, confirmed the approval during an event in Chennai. The mission is part of India’s larger goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2040. ISRO also aims to build an independent space station called Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035. Chandrayaan-5 will involve a partnership with Japan, strengthening India’s position in global space exploration.

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Chandrayaan-5 and India’s Future Lunar Missions

ISRO has a series of important missions lined up. Chandrayaan-4, which got government approval last year, will focus on landing on the Moon, collecting samples, and safely returning them to Earth. Chandrayaan-5 will take things a step further with a heavier lander and advanced technology, helping ISRO prepare for future human missions.

India also plans to send astronauts to the Moon using an indigenous rocket in the coming years. The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and expand India’s capabilities in deep space exploration.

Chandrayaan-5 and India’s Expanding Space Launch Capabilities

ISRO has been making steady progress in satellite launches. Since 2014, India has launched satellites for 34 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada. In the past 10 years, ISRO has launched 393 foreign satellites and three Indian commercial satellites using its PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV rockets.

A new rocket launch center is under construction at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. The project started on March 5, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone. This new spaceport will focus on launching small satellites using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), with support from Indian industries.

ISRO’s Key Achievements and Scientific Successes

ISRO has achieved several milestones in space exploration. Chandrayaan-1 discovered water on the Moon, and Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed at the Moon’s south pole — making India the first country to do so. India has also made progress in solar research, becoming the fourth country to launch a dedicated satellite to study the Sun.

The Chennai event was attended by key figures, including former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, former MLA Vijayadharani, and former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy.

With the approval of Chandrayaan-5, India is moving closer to its dream of a human Moon landing. The partnership with Japan, the new space station, and the growing satellite launch capabilities are signs that India is becoming a major player in the global space race. ISRO’s future looks bright as it continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.