ISRO chief says Chandrayaan-4 mission likely in…, ‘We are targeting…’ News24 –

By Correspondent On Nov 18, 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting its sights on a landmark lunar mission: Chandrayaan-4, a sample-return mission, is expected to be launched in 2028, according to ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan. The mission has received government approval and is being described as one of ISRO’s most complex undertakings so far.

ISRO isn’t slowing down, it plans to triple its spacecraft production over the next few years to meet rising demand, Narayanan said. He also revealed that the agency is targeting seven more launches in the current financial year, including commercial communication satellites and missions using both PSLV and GSLV rockets.

LUPEX: Indo-Japan collaboration to bring moon rocks home

The Chandrayaan-4 mission is being pursued under the name LUPEX, a joint lunar polar exploration programme with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The goal: land on the Moon, collect soil and rock samples and safely return them to Earth. Scientists hope to gain insights into lunar water ice, especially near the Moon’s poles, a key resource for future exploration.

This mission will test critical technologies required for lunar exploration, things like sample collection, robotic arms, precise orbital manoeuvres, return module re-entry and more. It’s a huge leap for ISRO, one that will not only deepen India’s understanding of the Moon but also strengthen its space partnership with Japan.

ISRO’s long-term vision: Moon, space station and more

Dr Narayanan also laid out ISRO’s ambitious roadmap: India aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing around 2040. Meanwhile, work is underway on the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, the country’s first space station, with the first of its five modules expected to be launched by 2028. This would make India one of the few nations to operate its own orbital station.

If Chandrayaan-4 launches on schedule, it will mark a milestone moment, signifying not just technical prowess but also India’s growing role in global space exploration.