GUWAHATI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, V Narayanan, has confirmed that the central government recently approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission. The decision has aligned with the country’s long-term goal of executing a human landing on the Moon by 2040.
ALSO READ: Major Road In Delhi To Be Named After Bodo Leader Bodofa Upendranath Brahma
Speaking at a felicitation event in Chennai on Sunday, March 16, Narayanan outlined ISRO’s future plans, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which will focus on lunar landing and sample collection. As for the Chandrayaan-5, approved recently, it will feature a 350 kg rover developed in collaboration with Japan. The mission has been scheduled to demonstrate advanced landing technologies, which will strengthen India’s capabilities for future manned lunar expeditions.
Reflecting on past lunar missions, Narayanan also highlighted the success of Chandrayaan-3, which secured India’s first soft landing on the moon. He also recalled the setbacks faced during Chandrayaan-2 but praised ISRO’s perseverance in space exploration.
Narayanan further stated that India is progressing towards establishing its own space station, ‘Bharatiya Antriksh Station’, by 2035. The government has also directed ISRO to develop a roadmap for sending Indian astronauts to the moon and ensuring their safe return using an indigenous launch system.
Expanding on ISRO’s achievements, Narayanan noted that India has launched 131 satellites, including support for SAARC nations. Between 2015 and 2024, the country successfully launched 433 satellites, with 393 foreign satellites deployed commercially using PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles.
Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, and Israel have relied on ISRO’s launch capabilities over the years.
