In the wake of the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief S Somanath has declared that India’s lunar endeavors are far from over. Speaking at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, he expressed ISRO’s ambitious plan to retrieve moon rocks from the lunar surface.
Moon Rocks Mission: A Formidable Challenge
Acknowledging the complexity of the mission, Somanath emphasized the technological challenges involved in safely landing on the moon, recovering samples, and returning to Earth. He highlighted the intricacies of autonomous operations, stating that the sample return mission demands advanced technology beyond the current capabilities.
Four-Year Target: Human Presence on Moon
Undeterred by the challenges, Somanath revealed ISRO’s target of executing the moon rock retrieval mission within the next four years. Simultaneously, he provided insights into the ongoing mission to send an Indian into space, assuring the safety of astronauts during their journey.
Prime Minister’s Directive: Space Station by 2035
Somanath disclosed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to establish a space station by 2035. The ISRO chief outlined the preparations underway, including the launch of the first module by 2028. He clarified that the initial module would be a robotic space station, with plans for a manned station by 2035, necessitating the development of new rockets.
Republic Day Parade Preview: Chandrayaan-3 Models
In an exciting revelation, Somanath hinted at the possibility of showcasing models of Chandrayaan-3 during the Republic Day parade. This move aims to provide the public with a tangible glimpse of India’s lunar exploration endeavours.
Historic Touchdown: Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Feat
Recapping recent achievements, the article underscores India’s historic moment on August 23 when Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module successfully touched down on the lunar surface. This accomplishment solidified India’s position as the fourth country to achieve such a feat and the first to reach the uncharted south pole of the moon.
As ISRO continues to set its sights on the moon and beyond, the nation eagerly anticipates further milestones in space exploration.**
