Fri Sep 20 08:00:18 UTC 2024: ## India Embarks on Ambitious Space Missions: Chandrayaan-4, Venus Exploration, and More

**New Delhi:** In a major boost for India’s space program, the Union Cabinet has approved a groundbreaking suite of space missions totaling Rs 31,772 crores. The missions, spanning until 2040, are part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” vision and will solidify India’s position as a leading player in the global space community.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath expressed his excitement about the approvals, stating, “India’s ambitious space vision and roadmap have now been given the wings to fly high.” The missions are poised to elevate India’s status in space and address practical applications of space technology for everyday life.

Among the notable projects is **Chandrayaan-4**, with an allocation of Rs 2,104 crores. This mission will focus on collecting samples from the Moon’s Shiv-Shakti area, serving as a crucial precursor to India’s human lunar landing mission by 2040.

“Chandrayaan-4 will bring back samples, which will enhance our understanding of lunar geology,” said Dr. Somanath. He highlighted the complexity of the mission, emphasizing the need for robust technologies to safely retrieve samples from the Moon.

Further demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to planetary science, a mission to explore **Venus** has also been approved. The establishment of the **’Bhartiya Antariksha Station,’** a homegrown space station, and the development of a new mega rocket signal a strong focus on human spaceflight and deep space exploration.

Dr. Somanath assured that while ISRO aims for the stars, it remains grounded in addressing everyday needs. “We will not forget the farmer or fisherman while exploring the solar system,” he said, highlighting the commitment to translating space technology into tangible benefits for all Indians.

The ambitious roadmap signals a new era for Indian space exploration, reflecting a determination to propel India into a higher orbit. These bold initiatives promise to solidify India’s position as a global leader in space exploration and technology.

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