New Delhi: In its annual report, ISRO has provided updates on newly approved planetary science missions. ISRO is returning to the Moon with the Chandrayaan 4 Sample Return Mission. ISRO will be attempting to return samples scooped and drilled up from the polar region of the Moon, ISRO has reviewed potential landing sites based on the potential science returns. Preparations are in progress for finalising the plan for sample analysis and archival facilities. Care has to be taken here to ensure that the returned samples are not contaminated on Earth. ISRO aims to launch the Chandrayaan 4 mission no sooner than October 2027.
ISRO will then be dispatching the Chandrayaan 5 /LUPEX mission, a collaboration with JAXA. The mission will attempt to prospect for and mine water on the lunar surface. The mission secured Financial Sanction on 10 March, 2025, with a Phase B Implementation Arrangement detailing the responsibilities of each agency signed on 29 August, 2025. Technical Interface Meetings were held in May and August 2025, with a Science Working Group (SWG) constituted to maximise the science returns from the payloads. ISRO has completed the Preliminary Design Review of the mission, and aims to launch no sooner than September 2028.
Exploration of Venus and Mars
The objectives of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) has been completed, that encompasses the study of Venusian atmosphere, ionosphere, surface and subsurface, as well as the influence of solar activity on the planet. International collaboration efforts have been formalised with Sweden, Russia and Germany. The Preliminary Design Review of the VOM mission has been finalised as well. ISRO plans to launch the VOM mission no sooner than March 2028. ISRO plans to return to Mars with the Mars Lander Mission, which has obtained approval from the Space Commission, and is currently under process of approval by the Union Cabinet. ISRO is developing its own Sky Crane to land on Mars.