New Delhi: In a significant update to India’s space programme, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, briefed the Rajya Sabha on December 11 about the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) intensified efforts in technology development, transfer to industry, and upcoming space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5.
Speaking on the twin fronts of technological innovation and industrial collaboration, Dr. Singh underscored ISRO’s expanding research portfolio. “ISRO is deeply engaged in cutting-edge R&D in critical space technologies that are essential for the nation’s future space missions,” he stated.
Driving Innovation and Industry Collaboration
Among the new frontiers ISRO is pursuing are reusable launch stage recovery, LOX-Methane engines, hybrid and air-breathing propulsion systems, advanced materials manufacturing, quantum communication, electric propulsion, and space-based surveillance. Additional focus areas include on-orbit servicing and docking, lunar sample return missions, and technologies to support long-duration human spaceflight — such as regenerative life support systems and inflatable habitats.
To accelerate participation from Indian industries and startups, ISRO, through its commercial and regulatory arms — NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) — is opening access to its vast portfolio of indigenous technologies. Both organizations have launched online portals listing all transferable ISRO technologies, now offered with a 30% concession on technology transfer fees under the Differential Pricing Policy.
“This initiative marks a major step toward technological self-reliance, industrial growth, and national development,” Dr. Singh noted. He also confirmed that updated Technology Transfer Guidelines have been drafted and are awaiting final approval.
Countdown to Chandrayaan-4 and Beyond
On the scientific exploration front, Dr. Singh announced key progress in ISRO’s flagship lunar and human spaceflight missions. The Chandrayaan-4 mission, slated for launch in 2027, aims to achieve India’s first lunar sample return — involving a robotic arm to collect material from the Moon’s surface, ascent from the lunar terrain, and return of the samples to Earth. The spacecraft’s configuration has been finalized, and the critical design of its avionics and flight dynamics is complete.
ISRO has selected a target landing site in the Moon’s southern polar region (84°–86° south latitude) — a scientifically rich and largely uncharted area with potential water ice reserves within the permanently shadowed craters. “The mission holds immense promise, as global space agencies are turning their attention to this unexplored region for clues about the Moon’s evolution and potential resources,” Dr. Singh said.
Global Partnerships: India and Japan Join Forces
India’s growing leadership in space exploration will expand further with Chandrayaan-5, a joint mission between ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The collaboration includes a jointly developed lander-rover system — with ISRO handling the lander and JAXA designing the rover — along with integrated launch and mission operations.
However, Dr. Singh clarified that Chandrayaan-4 remains a fully indigenous Indian mission, reflecting the nation’s drive to advance autonomous deep-space capabilities.
A Vision Aligned with India’s Space Future
With these initiatives, ISRO is aligning its advanced research, industrial engagement, and international collaborations to position India as a leading player in the new global space economy. As Dr. Singh emphasized in Parliament, the country’s growing ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and industry partners will play a pivotal role in building a self-reliant and innovation-driven space sector in the coming decade.
