'Robotic Activity, Can Go Wrong': ISRO Chairman Highlights Challenges In Chandrayaan-4 Mission Following Cabinet Approval

After the Union Cabinet approved four missions for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) a couple of days ago, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath expressed his enthusiasm by calling these approvals 'wings to fly high.'

Somnath specifically talked about Chandrayaan-4, which has been allocated Rs 2,104.06 crore, in an exclusive interview with NDTV and explained how the next lunar mission is a natural successor to Chandrayaan-3.

"Chandrayaan-3 demonstrated it is possible for us to soft land at a location (on the moon) and then the scientific experiments did very well. Next step is to go and come back safely, and to do that we need to develop many technologies," he said.

"All this is part of Chandrayaan-4. There will also be scientific missions like sample collection. If India goes to the moon, we will bring something new," Somanath asserted.

However, he explained that there are challenges in drilling and collecting the lunar sample from different places because this is a robotic activity, which can go wrong.

"Then there is a robotic activity of taking the sample and storing it in a container. Then the container needs to be transferred from that place to a lander which will come take off from the Moon," he explained the process.

However, Somnath assured that the ISRO will not forget the farmer or fisherman while exploring the solar system and will continue to find ways to use space technologies for the benefit of common citizens.