India’s Space Station by 2035, Bharat Antariksha Station, Gaganyaan

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that India aims to establish its own space station, the Bharat Antariksha Station (BAS), by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. The announcement is part of India’s broader Space Vision 2047, which seeks to expand the country’s human spaceflight, space science and exploration capabilities.

What is Bharat Antariksha Station?

Bharat Antariksha Station (BAS) is India’s planned indigenous space station. It is expected to become an important platform for human spaceflight, microgravity research, space technology development and long-duration missions.

The space station is part of India’s long-term human spaceflight programme. ISRO’s broader roadmap includes the Gaganyaan programme, successive lunar missions and eventually a crewed Moon landing by 2040.

The BAS will help India develop the capability to conduct experiments and maintain a continuous human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

What Role Will ISRO Play in India’s Space Station Mission?

ISRO will lead the development, launch and operation of the Bharat Antariksha Station (BAS), building on its experience in Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan and other space missions. It will also develop the technologies needed for long-duration human spaceflight and future lunar exploration.

• Design and development: Develop the station modules, life-support systems, spacecraft and other critical technologies.
• Human spaceflight: Use Gaganyaan experience to safely transport and support astronauts aboard the station.
• Launch and docking: Launch station modules and develop space-docking technology for connecting spacecraft and modules in orbit.
• Research and experiments: Enable microgravity research in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, materials science and physics.
• Station operations: Manage mission control, communication, astronaut safety, maintenance and long-duration missions.
• Future Moon missions: Use the experience gained from BAS to support India’s planned crewed Moon mission by 2040.
• Private-sector participation: Work with Indian space startups and private companies to strengthen the domestic space ecosystem.

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Gaganyaan The First Step Towards India’s Space Station

Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight programme, designed to demonstrate the country’s capability to send astronauts safely into Low Earth Orbit and bring them back to Earth, providing key technologies and experience for the future Bharat Antariksha Station.

• Human spaceflight: The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and safely return them to Earth.
• Crew and mission: The planned mission involves a three-member crew spending about three days in orbit at around 400 km altitude.
• Human-rated launch vehicle: ISRO is developing the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) based on the LVM3 platform to carry the crew module.
• Crew safety: The programme includes a Crew Escape System to protect astronauts during emergencies, particularly during launch.
• Life-support systems: Gaganyaan will develop technologies for oxygen supply, temperature control, pressure management and other crew-support requirements.
• Astronaut training: Selected astronauts undergo specialised training in spaceflight procedures, emergency response, physical fitness and mission operations.
• Re-entry and recovery: ISRO is developing systems to safely re-enter the atmosphere, land the crew module and recover astronauts after the mission.
• Foundation for BAS: Technologies developed through Gaganyaan will provide the foundation for long-duration human missions and future operations aboard the Bharat Antariksha Station.

Importance of Bharat Antariksha Station for India’s Space Vision by 2035

The India’s Space Station by 2035, known as the Bharat Antariksha Station (BAS), will strengthen India’s capabilities in human spaceflight, scientific research, space technology and deep-space exploration. It can also support India’s long-term goal of sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

• Boosts space research: BAS will provide a platform for microgravity experiments in medicine, biotechnology, materials science and physics.
• Strengthens human spaceflight: It will help India gain experience in long-duration crewed missions, astronaut health and life-support systems.
• Supports Moon missions: Experience from operating the station will help develop technologies needed for future crewed lunar missions.
• Promotes space economy: The project can create opportunities for Indian space startups and private companies in spacecraft, robotics, electronics and other technologies.
• Enhances strategic autonomy: An indigenous space station will reduce India’s dependence on other countries for human spaceflight and orbital research.
• Encourages international cooperation: BAS can become a platform for joint scientific experiments and space missions with other countries.
• Develops advanced technology: The programme will accelerate innovation in space docking, robotics, life-support systems and space habitats.