After successfully demonstrating India's first space docking experiment, SPADEX, in 2025, the country's Space agency, ISRO, is now carrying out studies for its successor missions, SPADEX-2 and SPADEX-3. Space docking is the intricate process of bringing two satellites close to one another and mechanically attaching them into one unit, all while they are travelling at velocities over 28,000 kilometres per hour. Docking is a crucial enabling technology that facilitates the transfer of astronauts, cargo, or fuel from one spacecraft to another. India's ambitions of returning samples from the moon (Chandrayaan-4) and building the country's own space station require mastery over docking technology.As per details revealed by the Indian Government in Parliament, ISRO is studying two orbital docking experiments: SPADEX-2 for replicating the Chandrayaan-4 (Lunar Sample Return), and SPADEX-3 as a precursor mission for docking in Bharatiya Space Station.<h2>Why is docking tech mandatory for Chandrayaan-4 ?</h2>India has envisioned its fourth lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, as a sample return mission. Chandrayaan-4 will not stop with a soft landing on the moon. After landing, it will collect lunar samples, vertically liftoff from the moon, and carry the samples to our home planet.For this ambitious venture, ISRO is working towards building two crafts, each weighing around 4,750kg. Instead of launching one massive craft, ISRO would launch two of these crafts into space using two LVM3 rockets. Thereafter, these crafts would have to perform docking and undocking in space as part of the mission. During the SPADEX-1 mission, ISRO carried out docking while the satellites were orbiting the Earth in a circular orbit.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-no-dry-out-of-lpg-government-to-allocate-5-kg-ftl-cylinders-to-migrant-workers-1774265412266">'No dry out of LPG': Govt to allocate 5 kg FTL cylinders to migrant workers</a>For Chandrayaan-4, docking would have to be carried out while the satellites are in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit. The Indian Government has revealed that SPADEX-2 would involve the docking and undocking of two spacecraft in a highly elliptical orbit, and a sample would be transferred between the two crafts. Therefore, SPADEX-2 is intended to simulate the conditions that Chandrayaan-4 would have to operate under.<h2>Why is docking tech mandatory for operating a space station?</h2>To build a space station, which is a massive orbiting lab, multiple modules(parts) need to be launched from Earth in a phased manner. Gradually, these modules have to be assembled in space to create a fully functional space station. India has ambitions to build its own space station that would eventually house astronauts. As part of SPADEX-3, ISRO envisions docking and undocking between two pressurised modules using Bharatiya Docking System (BDS), which is a homegrown docking mechanism.Pressurised docking is a specialised form of space docking designed to create an airtight, structurally robust tunnel to move astronauts and cargo between two spacecraft. When astronauts live aboard a space station, they would need to move from one module of the station to another, just like how one would need to go from one room to another at home. Therefore, the connections between all modules need to be maintained at equal pressure, to provide breathable air, temperature control, and ideal habitable conditions.<h2>What makes space docking so complicated?</h2>When a one spacecraft is approaching the other spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.When the spacecraft docks, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.&nbsp;

For Chandrayaan-4, docking would have to be carried out while the satellites are in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit. The Indian Government has revealed that SPADEX-2 would involve the docking and undocking of two spacecraft in a highly elliptical orbit. 

After successfully demonstrating India's first space docking experiment, SPADEX, in 2025, the country's Space agency, ISRO, is now carrying out studies for its successor missions, SPADEX-2 and SPADEX-3. Space docking is the intricate process of bringing two satellites close to one another and mechanically attaching them into one unit, all while they are travelling at velocities over 28,000 kilometres per hour. Docking is a crucial enabling technology that facilitates the transfer of astronauts, cargo, or fuel from one spacecraft to another. India's ambitions of returning samples from the moon (Chandrayaan-4) and building the country's own space station require mastery over docking technology. As per details revealed by the Indian Government in Parliament, ISRO is studying two orbital docking experiments: SPADEX-2 for replicating the Chandrayaan-4 (Lunar Sample Return), and SPADEX-3 as a precursor mission for docking in Bharatiya Space Station. Why is docking tech mandatory for Chandrayaan-4 ? India has envisioned its fourth lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, as a sample return mission. Chandrayaan-4 will not stop with a soft landing on the moon. After landing, it will collect lunar samples, vertically liftoff from the moon, and carry the samples to our home planet. For this ambitious venture, ISRO is working towards building two crafts, each weighing around 4,750kg. Instead of launching one massive craft, ISRO would launch two of these crafts into space using two LVM3 rockets. Thereafter, these crafts would have to perform docking and undocking in space as part of the mission. During the SPADEX-1 mission, ISRO carried out docking while the satellites were orbiting the Earth in a circular orbit. Also read: 'No dry out of LPG': Govt to allocate 5 kg FTL cylinders to migrant workers For Chandrayaan-4, docking would have to be carried out while the satellites are in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit. The Indian Government has revealed that SPADEX-2 would involve the docking and undocking of two spacecraft in a highly elliptical orbit, and a sample would be transferred between the two crafts. Therefore, SPADEX-2 is intended to simulate the conditions that Chandrayaan-4 would have to operate under. Why is docking tech mandatory for operating a space station? To build a space station, which is a massive orbiting lab, multiple modules(parts) need to be launched from Earth in a phased manner. Gradually, these modules have to be assembled in space to create a fully functional space station. India has ambitions to build its own space station that would eventually house astronauts. As part of SPADEX-3, ISRO envisions docking and undocking between two pressurised modules using Bharatiya Docking System (BDS), which is a homegrown docking mechanism. Pressurised docking is a specialised form of space docking designed to create an airtight, structurally robust tunnel to move astronauts and cargo between two spacecraft. When astronauts live aboard a space station, they would need to move from one module of the station to another, just like how one would need to go from one room to another at home. Therefore, the connections between all modules need to be maintained at equal pressure, to provide breathable air, temperature control, and ideal habitable conditions. What makes space docking so complicated? When a one spacecraft is approaching the other spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft docks, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

For Chandrayaan-4, docking would have to be carried out while the satellites are in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit. The Indian Government has revealed that SPADEX-2 would involve the docking and undocking of two spacecraft in a highly elliptical orbit.&nbsp;

Explainer: ISRO plans SPADEX-2 and 3 space docking experiments

Imagine our scientists at ISRO like detectives searching for the perfect place to dig treasure on the Moon. Well, they just found it! They have identified a special location called MM-4 in the Mons Mouton area, right near the Moon’s South Pole. This is where India’s next big space mission, called Chandrayaan-4, will land around 2028. It is like finding the perfect address for your new home—everything has to be just right.&nbsp;Mons Mouton (MM) is a mountain-like highland area near the Moon’s South Pole, and it is considered important because this region may have water ice and safer terrain for future missions.&nbsp;Now, why is this Chandrayaan-4 mission so special and exciting for all of us? Think of it this way: our earlier Moon missions were like sending a camera to take pictures and send them back. But Chandrayaan-4 is different. It is India’s first mission that will actually collect Moon soil and rock pieces and bring them back to Earth. Yes, you read it right—we will have real Moon samples in our Indian laboratories! Scientists will study these samples like examining precious gems under a microscope. The spacecraft will have five special parts working together—first it goes there, then it collects samples, then it launches back, and finally it returns home safely. It is like a perfectly planned operation where everything must work without any mistakes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-japan-annual-summit-pm-modi-hails-isro-jaxa-collaboration-on-chandrayaan-5-mission-1756487042954">India-Japan Annual Summit: PM Modi hails ISRO, JAXA collaboration on Chandrayaan-5 mission</a>&nbsp;So why did our scientists choose the Moon’s South Pole, and specifically this MM-4 spot? Here is the exciting part that affects all of us. The South Pole has special areas that stay in permanent shadow, like the darkest corner of your room that never gets sunlight. These cold, shadowy areas are like natural freezers that have kept water ice trapped there for billions of years. This water ice is not just frozen water—it is treasure! If scientists can find enough of it, we can make drinking water for people, oxygen for them to breathe, and even rocket fuel. Imagine astronauts staying on the Moon without carrying everything from Earth. That is the dream, and it starts with finding this water ice.&nbsp;But landing on the Moon’s South Pole is not easy. The terrain is very rough, with mountains, craters, and huge boulders scattered everywhere, like an obstacle course. A wrong landing can mean disaster—the spacecraft could crash or break. ISRO needed to find a spot that is relatively flat and smooth, gets enough sunlight for solar power to work, is free from dangerous boulders, and has good communication link with Earth. It is like finding a parking space in Mumbai that is not too slanted, not too dark, and not too crowded with obstacles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-japan-discuss-progress-of-chandrayaan-5-lupex-moon-landing-mission-9073130">India and Japan discuss progress of Chandrayaan-5-LUPEX moon landing mission</a>&nbsp;ISRO scientists took high-quality pictures using a special camera on the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft that is still orbiting the Moon. They studied four possible sites like MM-1, MM-3, MM-4, and MM-5. They looked at every detail—the slope angle, the height, how many hazards like rocks and craters were there, and where were the safe flat patches where the lander could touch down. After careful examination, MM-4 emerged as the clear winner. In a one-kilometre area around it, the slope is only about five degrees—that is very gentle, almost like a slightly tilted table. The hazards are the lowest at around nine per cent. There are five hundred and sixty-eight safe spots where the lander can land. It is like comparing four houses for rent, and this MM-4 is the safest one with the best views and strongest foundation.&nbsp;What will India gain from landing here? First is safety—the mission needs to land successfully to collect samples. Second is scientific knowledge—the samples from this highland area near the South Pole will teach us about the Moon’s ancient history, its rocks, and whether water ice really exists nearby. Third is preparation—if we confirm water ice exists here, it will help India plan longer stays on the Moon or even build a base there one day. This would make India a major player in space exploration, earning respect from all nations worldwide.&nbsp;Other countries are watching this spot too. China’s missions have visited different Moon areas. America also wanted to send a rover here to search for ice. The South Pole has become like a hotspot where everyone wants to explore because of the resources it holds. By choosing MM-4, ISRO proves it is making smart, careful decisions using its own Moon data. Success in Chandrayaan-4 will not just bring Moon pieces to our labs but will inspire countless people and open doors to discoveries we cannot imagine today.

ISRO has selected MM-4 near the Moon’s South Pole as its spot for Chandrayaan-4’s 2028 landing. This mission will collect Moon soil and rocks and return to Earth with them, helping India study lunar history and possible water ice.

Imagine our scientists at ISRO like detectives searching for the perfect place to dig treasure on the Moon. Well, they just found it! They have identified a special location called MM-4 in the Mons Mouton area, right near the Moon’s South Pole. This is where India’s next big space mission, called Chandrayaan-4, will land around 2028. It is like finding the perfect address for your new home—everything has to be just right. Mons Mouton (MM) is a mountain-like highland area near the Moon’s South Pole, and it is considered important because this region may have water ice and safer terrain for future missions. Now, why is this Chandrayaan-4 mission so special and exciting for all of us? Think of it this way: our earlier Moon missions were like sending a camera to take pictures and send them back. But Chandrayaan-4 is different. It is India’s first mission that will actually collect Moon soil and rock pieces and bring them back to Earth. Yes, you read it right—we will have real Moon samples in our Indian laboratories! Scientists will study these samples like examining precious gems under a microscope. The spacecraft will have five special parts working together—first it goes there, then it collects samples, then it launches back, and finally it returns home safely. It is like a perfectly planned operation where everything must work without any mistakes. Also Read: India-Japan Annual Summit: PM Modi hails ISRO, JAXA collaboration on Chandrayaan-5 mission So why did our scientists choose the Moon’s South Pole, and specifically this MM-4 spot? Here is the exciting part that affects all of us. The South Pole has special areas that stay in permanent shadow, like the darkest corner of your room that never gets sunlight. These cold, shadowy areas are like natural freezers that have kept water ice trapped there for billions of years. This water ice is not just frozen water—it is treasure! If scientists can find enough of it, we can make drinking water for people, oxygen for them to breathe, and even rocket fuel. Imagine astronauts staying on the Moon without carrying everything from Earth. That is the dream, and it starts with finding this water ice. But landing on the Moon’s South Pole is not easy. The terrain is very rough, with mountains, craters, and huge boulders scattered everywhere, like an obstacle course. A wrong landing can mean disaster—the spacecraft could crash or break. ISRO needed to find a spot that is relatively flat and smooth, gets enough sunlight for solar power to work, is free from dangerous boulders, and has good communication link with Earth. It is like finding a parking space in Mumbai that is not too slanted, not too dark, and not too crowded with obstacles. Also Read: India and Japan discuss progress of Chandrayaan-5-LUPEX moon landing mission ISRO scientists took high-quality pictures using a special camera on the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft that is still orbiting the Moon. They studied four possible sites like MM-1, MM-3, MM-4, and MM-5. They looked at every detail—the slope angle, the height, how many hazards like rocks and craters were there, and where were the safe flat patches where the lander could touch down. After careful examination, MM-4 emerged as the clear winner. In a one-kilometre area around it, the slope is only about five degrees—that is very gentle, almost like a slightly tilted table. The hazards are the lowest at around nine per cent. There are five hundred and sixty-eight safe spots where the lander can land. It is like comparing four houses for rent, and this MM-4 is the safest one with the best views and strongest foundation. What will India gain from landing here? First is safety—the mission needs to land successfully to collect samples. Second is scientific knowledge—the samples from this highland area near the South Pole will teach us about the Moon’s ancient history, its rocks, and whether water ice really exists nearby. Third is preparation—if we confirm water ice exists here, it will help India plan longer stays on the Moon or even build a base there one day. This would make India a major player in space exploration, earning respect from all nations worldwide. Other countries are watching this spot too. China’s missions have visited different Moon areas. America also wanted to send a rover here to search for ice. The South Pole has become like a hotspot where everyone wants to explore because of the resources it holds. By choosing MM-4, ISRO proves it is making smart, careful decisions using its own Moon data. Success in Chandrayaan-4 will not just bring Moon pieces to our labs but will inspire countless people and open doors to discoveries we cannot imagine today.

ISRO has selected MM-4 near the Moon’s South Pole as its spot for Chandrayaan-4’s 2028 landing. This mission will collect Moon soil and rocks and return to Earth with them, helping India study lunar history and possible water ice.

Moon treasure hunt: India finds the perfect location on the map

A scientist has claimed that the Moon once housed an ancient city and that the United States and Russia hid evidence about it from the public. However, according to him, India and China are in the process of making these revelations once their upcoming expeditions to the Moon successfully land on the surface. Author and geologist Gregg Braden told podcast host Joe Rogan that the Moon still has remnants of a long-lost human civilisation that lived there 50,000 years ago. Daily Mail quoted him as saying that "they're from us, from a time in our past", but we "destroyed one another through war, and that we're repeating that cycle." Braden said that the US found proof of this society long ago, but chose to keep it a secret. But now, China's robotic Chang'e 7 mission and India's Chandrayaan-4 are set to make the bombshell revelation "on national TV, social media, and official space agency apps."&nbsp;Notably, India is planning to launch the Chandrayaan 4 mission in 2027, while China's Chang'e 7 mission is scheduled to be launched in 2026. Both missions will include robotic landers and rovers, which Braden says will come across archaeological structures from thousands of years ago, which are covered in languages that bear a connection to human cultures. Braden has previously claimed in his books that humans who lived on the moon came from a long-lost civilisation on Earth that inhabited the planet 50,000 years ago. They were technologically advanced and developed technology that let them travel to the Moon. However, they killed each other in a war, triggering a mass extinction. "The evidence suggests they're from us, from a time in our past, a cycle of civilisation where we did great and beautiful things by working together until we destroyed one another through war, and that we're repeating that cycle," Braden claimed in the podcast.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3i-atlas-first-contact-or-existential-threat-netizens-are-convinced-nasa-and-esa-are-hiding-something-1759728703636">3I/Atlas, 'first contact or existential threat'? Netizens are convinced NASA and ESA are hiding something</a> &nbsp;<h2>NASA data has never shown any such structures on the Moon</h2>However, nothing like this has ever been documented before by any space agency. None of the observations about the Moon to date have shown signs of any civilisation ever being on the lunar body. NASA's Lunar Sample Compendium and high-resolution images taken of the Moon do not show any scientific evidence of artificial structures or inscriptions on the Moon. However, Braden claims photographs from NASA's Clementine mission revealed structures on the moon with 90-degree angles, which he claims were built by an ancient civilisation millennia ago.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infant-rogue-planet-620-light-years-away-growing-by-6-billion-tonnes-per-second-1759473703794">Infant rogue planet 620 light-years away growing by 6 billion tonnes per second</a> &nbsp;To back his claims, Braden cites the moon landings and unconfirmed stories that Apollo astronauts allegedly saw structures and writings on the moon. According to reports, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin saw a large metallic structure on the Moon's far side during their 1969 mission. But NASA abruptly cancelled the signal just as the radio transmissions started describing it as a "base". "I think when our space program was active, there were broadcasts from the lunar surface that were cut off, and astronauts had seen things that they were not allowed to see and not allowed to share," Braden claimed during the podcast.&nbsp;

A scientist has made a strange claim about the Moon, stating that 50,000 years ago, a civilisation that spiralled from humans lived on the lunar body. He claims US and Russia hid evidence about it, but now India and China will uncover the truth with their upcoming missions.

A scientist has claimed that the Moon once housed an ancient city and that the United States and Russia hid evidence about it from the public. However, according to him, India and China are in the process of making these revelations once their upcoming expeditions to the Moon successfully land on the surface. Author and geologist Gregg Braden told podcast host Joe Rogan that the Moon still has remnants of a long-lost human civilisation that lived there 50,000 years ago. Daily Mail quoted him as saying that "they're from us, from a time in our past", but we "destroyed one another through war, and that we're repeating that cycle." Braden said that the US found proof of this society long ago, but chose to keep it a secret. But now, China's robotic Chang'e 7 mission and India's Chandrayaan-4 are set to make the bombshell revelation "on national TV, social media, and official space agency apps." Notably, India is planning to launch the Chandrayaan 4 mission in 2027, while China's Chang'e 7 mission is scheduled to be launched in 2026. Both missions will include robotic landers and rovers, which Braden says will come across archaeological structures from thousands of years ago, which are covered in languages that bear a connection to human cultures. Braden has previously claimed in his books that humans who lived on the moon came from a long-lost civilisation on Earth that inhabited the planet 50,000 years ago. They were technologically advanced and developed technology that let them travel to the Moon. However, they killed each other in a war, triggering a mass extinction. "The evidence suggests they're from us, from a time in our past, a cycle of civilisation where we did great and beautiful things by working together until we destroyed one another through war, and that we're repeating that cycle," Braden claimed in the podcast. Also Read: 3I/Atlas, 'first contact or existential threat'? Netizens are convinced NASA and ESA are hiding something NASA data has never shown any such structures on the Moon However, nothing like this has ever been documented before by any space agency. None of the observations about the Moon to date have shown signs of any civilisation ever being on the lunar body. NASA's Lunar Sample Compendium and high-resolution images taken of the Moon do not show any scientific evidence of artificial structures or inscriptions on the Moon. However, Braden claims photographs from NASA's Clementine mission revealed structures on the moon with 90-degree angles, which he claims were built by an ancient civilisation millennia ago. Also Read: Infant rogue planet 620 light-years away growing by 6 billion tonnes per second To back his claims, Braden cites the moon landings and unconfirmed stories that Apollo astronauts allegedly saw structures and writings on the moon. According to reports, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin saw a large metallic structure on the Moon's far side during their 1969 mission. But NASA abruptly cancelled the signal just as the radio transmissions started describing it as a "base". "I think when our space program was active, there were broadcasts from the lunar surface that were cut off, and astronauts had seen things that they were not allowed to see and not allowed to share," Braden claimed during the podcast.

A scientist has made a strange claim about the Moon, stating that 50,000 years ago, a civilisation that spiralled from humans lived on the lunar body. He claims the US and Russia hid evidence about it, but now India and China will uncover the truth with their upcoming missions.

Indian mission will uncover relics of a civilisation that lived on the Moon 50,000 years ago, scientist claims

India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to bring Moon samples back to Earth, a big leap after Chandrayaan-3. If successful, it could boost India’s space rank globally, support human missions, and will also unlock lunar secrets, marking a turning point in ISRO’s deep space journey.

5 reasons why ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 could push India ahead in the global space race

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming to establish itself as a key player in space exploration. It has set its eyes on multiple missions, according to ISRO Cheif, S Somanath, there is an ambitious roadmap for ISRO in 2024.

ISRO to take on multiple missions: Chandrayaan-4 and Bhartiya Antriksh Station are target missions

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Explainer: ISRO plans SPADEX-2 and 3 space docking experiments

Moon treasure hunt: India finds the perfect location on the map

Human civilisation lived on the Moon 50,000 years ago, scientist claims

5 reasons why ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 may push India ahead in space race

ISRO to take on multiple missions: Chandrayaan-4 and Bhartiya Antriksh Station are target missions