ISRO Confirms Chandrayaan-4 for 2028 and Sets 2035 Target for India’s First Space Station

ISRO Confirms Chandrayaan-4 for 2028 and Space Station Plan for 2035

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially confirmed major upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan-4 , India’s first lunar sample-return mission, slated for 2028 , and the development of a fully indigenous Indian Space Station by 2035 . These milestones mark a decisive expansion of India’s deep-space exploration and human-spaceflight ambitions.

Chandrayaan-4: India’s First Lunar Sample-Return Mission

Government approval has been granted for Chandrayaan-4, designed as the country’s most technologically advanced lunar mission yet. It aims to retrieve soil and rock samples from the Moon—an achievement currently shared only by the United States, Russia and China. The mission will deploy a complex architecture combining precision landing, ascent module docking and Earth-return capability, significantly enhancing India’s scientific and engineering credentials in planetary exploration.

Expanding Launch Schedule and Industry Involvement

ISRO plans at least seven launches during the current financial year, including PSLV and GSLV missions and a commercial communication satellite. A notable milestone will be the launch of the first industry-built PSLV , symbolising India’s shift toward large-scale private manufacturing in the space sector. The organisation also intends to triple spacecraft production capacity within three years to match rising domestic and global demand.

Human Spaceflight Roadmap and Space Station Plan

The Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission remains targeted for 2027 , preceded by three uncrewed tests. Simultaneously, ISRO is progressing on an Indian Space Station, with the first module scheduled for orbit deployment in 2028 . The multi-module orbital complex is expected to be fully operational by 2035 , complementing India’s long-term vision of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Chandrayaan-4 : India’s first lunar sample-return mission , planned for 2028 .

• Gaganyaan crewed mission : Scheduled for 2027 .

• Indian Space Station : To be completed by 2035 ; first module in 2028 .

• India aims to expand its space-economy share from 2% to 8% by 2030 .