India Approves Major Space Projects, Expands ISRO's Capabilities

India has announced a series of ambitious space projects aimed at advancing its capabilities in space exploration, following approval by the Union Cabinet. Led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), these initiatives include the Chandrayaan-4 mission, the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) project. These programs are part of India's long-term space strategy, with significant government investment aimed at enhancing technological capacities, boosting industry collaboration, and expanding the nation's role in global space research.

Chandrayaan-4 Mission

The Chandrayaan-4 mission, focused on returning lunar samples to Earth, is scheduled for completion within 36 months of approval. With a budget of ₹2,104.06 crore, the mission will involve spacecraft development, two launch vehicle missions, and deep space network support. The mission builds on the success of Chandrayaan-3, which demonstrated key landing technologies, and will contribute to India’s preparations for future human lunar missions, currently planned for 2040. The project is expected to generate employment and involve collaboration with industry and academia.

Venus Orbiter Mission

India's Venus Orbiter Mission, budgeted at ₹1,236 crore, aims to enhance the understanding of Venus's surface, atmosphere, and subsurface processes. Scheduled for launch in March 2028, the mission will focus on studying Venus’s evolution and how its environment differs dramatically from Earth's. With ₹824 crore allocated to spacecraft development, the mission will include collaboration with Indian industries and academic institutions, providing research and training opportunities. The data collected will be made available to the scientific community.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

The development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is a major extension of India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The program's total funding has been increased to ₹20,193 crore, with an additional ₹11,170 crore allocated to new missions. The first module of BAS is planned for completion by 2028, with the overall space station operational by 2035. This initiative includes eight missions, four of which will focus on space station technology validation. BAS is expected to advance India's capabilities in human space exploration and microgravity-based research, with broader impacts on technology and industry.

Broader Impact

In addition to these missions, the Union Budget 2024-25 has earmarked ₹1,000 crore for a venture capital fund to support space startups, reflecting India's growing focus on the commercial space sector. These projects, supported by ISRO, are poised to strengthen India's position in global space exploration while driving technological innovation and creating employment across related industries.