The Indian Union Cabinet has endorsed aggressive space programs amounting to ₹31,772 crores based on an ISRO blueprint stretching nearly into the next decade. Another planned mission is Chandrayaan-4, a mission to Venus-enhanced Gaganyaan that will include the Bharatiya Antariksha Station development of a new rocket called Soorya.
This announcement has been made after 100 days of the new government’s third term in line with the country’s effort to advance its space agenda. Speaking to the media, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath said that these clearances indeed help in enabling India’s space endeavor, making certain that the country is able to ensure that space is made available as a utility for the entire citizenry.
The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan-4 mission are to design the technologies needed to land and acquire data after the spacecraft returns to Earth from the lunar surface and to characterize the moon through sample analysis. This multiple-phase mission is expected to cost ₹2,104 crores and be completed in 36 months. This endeavor will pave the way for an Indian moon landing in 2040.
Also, there is a plan for the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) in the pipeline after India’s success of the Mars mission in 2013. VOM cost ₹1,236 crores and will analyze Venus’ terrain and climate starting from March 2028.
The Cabinet also cleared establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS-1) under Gaganyaan, which contemplates overhauling the program plan and finances. Altogether ₹20,193 crores have been identified for each of these outlays, which are proposed to be completed by December 2029.
The Cabinet authorized the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) for these projects, called Soorya. This vehicle will have thrice the carrying capacity of today’s LV MK-3, and its reusability will make costs cheaper. ₹8,239 crores have been drawn for funding the Soorya programme.
