A recent study by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has pinpointed a promising landing site for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, India's ambitious lunar sample return endeavor. The mission is expected to land near the lunar south pole. This region is of significant scientific interest due to its potential for holding frozen water and ancient materials that could provide insights into the Moon's early history.
Researchers from ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) have identified a safe zone near Mons Mouton, a mountainous region close to the Moon's south pole, as a prime candidate. This analysis, leveraging high-resolution imagery from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, was presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) 2026. The detailed terrain analysis helped narrow down potential landing zones for the mission.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission represents a significant leap for India's space program, building upon the success of Chandrayaan-3, which achieved a soft landing on the Moon in 2023. Chandrayaan-4 is designed to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth, a complex feat that only a few countries have accomplished. ISRO's Special Projects Director P Veeramuthuvel stated that the mission aims to "further understand the moon within situ sample collection" using indigenous technology.
Selecting the right landing site is crucial for the success of such a mission. The spacecraft needs to land safely, collect samples, and then launch from the Moon's surface for its return journey. To identify suitable locations, scientists utilized imagery from the Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC) onboard the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. This camera captures the lunar surface at a resolution of approximately 32 centimeters per pixel, enabling the detection of small craters, boulders, and subtle slopes that could pose risks to a lander.
The team generated detailed three-dimensional elevation models and hazard maps of the Mons Mouton region using these images. Multiple safety factors were evaluated, including terrain slope, surface roughness, boulder distribution, illumination conditions, and communication visibility with Earth. Four candidate landing zones within the region were studied in depth. A site identified as MM-4 emerged as the safest option. The analysis indicated that MM-4 has relatively gentle slopes averaging around five degrees, fewer large boulders and craters, and several flat patches suitable for landing operations. The site also receives sufficient sunlight for mission activities, which is essential for powering spacecraft systems near the Moon's South Pole, where lighting conditions can be challenging.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission will consist of three key modules: a landing module, an ascent module, and a return module. Each stage must function perfectly in sequence for the mission to succeed. The mission willSoftly land on the lunar surface using a robotic system designed for collecting soil and rock samples. These samples will be stored in specialized containers before being lifted off the Moon by an ascent vehicle. The ascent vehicle will then dock with a return module in lunar orbit, which will carry the samples back to Earth, enduring intense heat during re-entry.
The Chandrayaan-4 mission is a key part of ISRO's long-term vision for space exploration, which includes plans for a space station. The mission aims to bring two kilograms of scooped and drilled samples for scientific studies. The success of this sample-return mission could foster global partnerships and attract international scientific collaborations.