September 18, 2024: In a significant boost to India's space ambitions, the Union Cabinet has given the green light for several high-profile initiatives, including the expansion of the Chandrayaan mission, the Venus Orbiter Mission, the development of an Indian space station, and a next-generation launch vehicle. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these developments during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission, building on the success of its predecessor, is set to be developed and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) within the next 36 months, with an estimated budget of ₹2104.06 crore. Following the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover on the Moon, the new mission aims to further explore the lunar surface and gather more data.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), which aims to conduct an in-depth scientific exploration of Venus's atmosphere and geology. This ambitious mission is slated for launch in March 2028 and will provide critical insights into the planet's thick atmosphere, generating extensive scientific data.

The Cabinet also sanctioned the construction of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's first dedicated space station for scientific research. This initiative positions India alongside the US and China, who currently operate the International Space Station and Tiangong, respectively.