Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S. Somnath has given important information about Chandrayaan-4 mission. In an interview to news agency ANI, he said that its design has been prepared. Somnath said, ‘Chandrayaan-3 mission has been completed. All eyes are now on Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5. The special thing is that the designs of both of them are ready and we are waiting for approval from the government.’ He said that we want to build another station where there will be 5 modules. Its first module is to be launched in 2028, the design of which is ready. It has also been sent to the government for approval.
The ISRO chief was asked when will the first Indian step on the moon? In response to this, he said that our mission to put humans on the moon is still going on. Obviously, it will take time and we have set a target of 2040. He said, ‘Slow steps are being taken in this regard. However, its process will start after a few years. The proposal for the kind of investment that will be needed for this has been submitted to the government.’ He also told that at present, planning is going on for about 50 satellites which will play different roles. Their designs are being prepared.
What was Chandrayaan-3 mission and how did it achieve success?
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission created history by landing on the surface of the moon. India became the first country to land on the south pole of the moon. First, Vikram Lander soft landed on the moon after which Pragyan Rover came out of it and started moving on the surface of the moon. Chandrayaan-3 took off from Sriharikota on July 14 at 2:35 pm and successfully completed its 40-day long journey. It is interesting to know that Chandrayaan-2 sent a message to Chandrayaan-3 which was moving towards the surface of the moon. It said – ‘Welcome Buddy’. Chandrayaan-2 also received the information about the delivery of its message. NASA and European Space Agency also congratulated ISRO for the success of Chandrayaan-3.
Who was given credit for the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission
S. Somnath was honoured with the Special Life Fellow Award by the institute on the 74th Foundation Day of IIT Kharagpur on August 18. On this occasion, he recalled his old days at ISRO and credited his achievements, including Chandrayaan-3, to the people with whom he has worked. Somnath said, ‘In the last 38 years, our and my personal work has been focused on building key capabilities in this organization. I am fortunate to work with extraordinary people, inspirations and leaders who have brought ISRO to this point. I have had the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and contribute to projects like Chandrayaan-3, which have made us proud.’