Chandrayaan-4: ISRO Selects Mons Mouton Near Lunar South Pole

ISRO has selected MM-4 in the Mons Mouton region near the Moon’s South Pole as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4.

About Selected Landing Site: Mons Mouton (MM-4)

• Mons Mouton (MM) lies in the lunar South Polar region, an area of high scientific interest due to potential water ice and ancient geological records.
• Scientific Evaluation: Four candidate sites MM-1, MM-3, MM-4 and MM-5 were analysed using Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC) multi-view datasets for terrain safety and feasibility.
• Safety Parameters: MM-4 was chosen as it has a minimal hazards percentage around one km by one km area, an average slope of about 5 degrees, a mean elevation of 5,334 metres, and the highest number of safe landing grids.

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About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

• Chandrayaan-4 is India’s first lunar sample-return mission, aimed at achieving soft landing, collecting lunar samples, and returning them safely to Earth.
• Expected Launch: The mission is targeted for launch around 2028, subject to final readiness and approvals.
• Key Components: The mission comprises five modules:
  • Propulsion Module (PM)
  • Descender Module (DM)
  • Ascender Module (AM)
  • Transfer Module (TM) and
  • Re-entry Module (RM)
• Key Mission Objectives: The mission seeks to achieve safe soft landing and sample collection from the lunar surface.
  • It also aims to demonstrate lunar lift-off, orbital docking, sample transfer, and safe re-entry to Earth.

Successful Sample Return Mission to Moon

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Conclusion

The success of Chandrayaan-4 will be India’s entry into complex lunar sample-return missions, strengthening its space capabilities and moon exploration with new samples from least explored South pole.

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