The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a follow-up to its successful lunar missions, with a projected launch date in 2026. The mission aims to collect lunar soil samples and return them to Earth—an ambitious goal that only a few space agencies have achieved. ISRO Chairman revealed that the mission will involve advanced landing gear, robotic arms for sample collection, and a new propulsion module. Scientists at ISRO are collaborating with international agencies, including NASA and JAXA, for joint research and data sharing. Chandrayaan-4 will focus on the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to contain frozen water. The mission also involves building an Earth re-entry capsule to safely transport lunar material. Preparations are underway at the Sriharikota launch site, and initial component testing has already begun. The announcement reinforces India’s growing stature in space exploration and its ambition to become a key player in future lunar colonization efforts.