Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035: India’s Ambitious Leap into Space Innovation

India’s journey in space exploration has been remarkable, highlighting innovation, determination and ambition. Over the years, the country has steadily carved out a place among the global leaders in space science. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the driving force behind this progress, has delivered groundbreaking achievements that have captured the world’s attention. From the Chandrayaan missions exploring the mysteries of the Moon to the Mangalyaan mission that placed India among the elite few to reach Mars—and at a fraction of the cost compared to other nations—ISRO has consistently pushed boundaries and demonstrated the power of ingenuity on a budget.

Building on this legacy, India is now preparing for an even more audacious leap forward in space exploration. By 2035 ISRO plans to build the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS) as its own space station orbiting the Earth. This ambitious plan is not only a natural course through which India's space program should evolve but also a historic moment in its pursuit of global leadership in space science. The project has promised to redefine India's role in space diplomacy, technological innovation, and international collaboration, beyond merely reeling out the fact of growing technical prowess of India. The Bharatiya Antriksh Station is more than just an engineering challenge; it represents a nation making bold strides toward new frontiers and making meaningful contributions to humanity's exploration of space.

India’s space journey

Founded in 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who recognised the crucial role of space technology in nation development, ISRO has become a significant player in global space technology. Over the years, the organisation achieved important milestones that have enhanced scientific knowledge and contributed to socio-economic development.

• Pre-2000 era
  Prior to 2000, India achieved significant landmarks in space innovation, demonstrating its growing capabilities in satellite technology and exploration. The journey began with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India’s first satellite which used a Soviet launch vehicle. In 1980, India made history by deploying the Rohini satellite with its first indigenous launch vehicle, the SLV-3, becoming the sixth nation to do so. Finally, the launch of IRS-P2 in 1994 using the PSLV-D2 rocket further solidified India's position in remote sensing. Collectively, these achievements laid a solid foundation for India's future in space exploration.
• 2000-2010
  In 2000, India launched the INSAT-3B satellite, the first of five satellites in the INSAT-3 series, which played a crucial role in enhancing business, mobile, and developmental communication across the country. In 2008, India launched Chandrayaan-1, its first unmanned mission to the moon, which successfully verified the presence of water on the lunar surface, significantly contributing to lunar research. In 2007, India evaluated its indigenous cryogenic engine for the upper stage of the GSLV, enhancing its capabilities for launching heavy payloads into space.
• 2010-2020
  In 2014, India achieved a major milestone by launching the GSLV Mk III, which is its first launch vehicle of high payload capability. The mission laid the foundations for future manned missions. GSAT-10, a high-power communication satellite, was launched from Sriharikota in the same year to further enhance India's communications capabilities. In 2017, India marked a historic milestone by launching 104 satellites in a single mission using the PSLV-C37 rocket. At that time, it was an all-time world record. This proved India's mastery in sending satellites and competence in running intricate missions. In 2019, India released Chandrayaan-2 with renewed support for lunar exploration.
• 2020-2035
  On August 23, 2023, India successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, becoming the fourth country to do so and the first to reach the lunar south pole. In 2020, the government opened the space sector to private participation, establishing the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to oversee private entities. India also launched several important missions in 2024, including SSLV-D3/EOS-08 on August 16, GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS on February 17, and PSLV-C58/XPoSat on January 1. Looking ahead, projects like the Bharatiya Antariksha Station aim to establish an Indian space station by 2035, expanding India's capabilities in space exploration.

Features of BAS

The BAS will feature a five-module configuration connected through a Common Berthing Mechanism (BAS-01 Base Module, BAS-02 Core-Docking Module, BAS-03 Science research Module, BAS-04 Laboratory Module, BAS-05 Common Working Module) with overall dimensions of 27m × 20m. It is planned to carry a crew of six astronauts for short period of time, although the nominal crew size is three to four. Orbiting at an altitude of 400-450 km with an inclination of 51.6°, the station will be accessible from all major international spaceports, such as those of the USA, Russia, Japan, and the ESA.

The design of the BAS was completed as of February 2024, with electronics developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre at Bengaluru and hardware at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The first module is going to include a docking port compatible with International Space Station, along with solar panels for power. Human operations are going to start from 2035 whereas the first module is scheduled for launch in 2028.

Importance of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station

• Strategic significance: BAS is significant to India as it will raise the country's stature globally in space exploration by joining the select list of nations with functioning space stations. Such a project epitomizes Indian technological prowess, which is capable of designing and operating complex systems for long-duration human spaceflight. The BAS will thus enhance India's strategic position and nurture its aspirations in scientific research and international collaboration in space.
• Scientific research opportunities: It presents major opportunities for scientific research, particularly through microgravity experiments that can yield breakthroughs in materials science and biotechnology. Additionally, by adhering to global standards for docking and interoperability, India can foster international collaboration with other space agencies. This alignment will enhance India’s contributions to global scientific research and facilitate partnerships that can drive innovation and shared advancements in space exploration.
• Economic growth and innovation: The BAS is crucial for driving economic growth in India. Its development would boost the space economy because many jobs and investments in related sectors are likely to be drawn in by the same. The project will invite cooperation between government agencies, private companies, and academia, leading to technological advancement The ambitious nature of BAS is also likely to inspire young Indians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), contributing to a skilled workforce. As India embarks on this space journey, it also cultivates national pride, enhancing public interest in scientific exploration.
• Spaceflight and human habitation: The BAS holds significant importance for India's future in space exploration. It will serve as a vital testing ground to study the safety and health of astronauts during long-duration missions, addressing critical challenges related to human habitation in space.
• Earth observation: BAS will enhance India's capabilities in Earth observation by providing improved spatial resolution and variable lighting conditions, essential for monitoring and responding to natural disasters. Through these advancements, the BAS will support India's long-term space goals but also and contribute to the nation's ability to manage environmental challenges and enhance scientific research.

The road ahead

The approval of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) as part of the Gaganyaan program marks a significant step for India's space ambitions. With the first module of BAS-1 set for development, the program aims to validate and demonstrate critical technology for long-duration human space missions. By 2028, ISRO plans to complete eight missions, including an additional uncrewed mission, to enhance capabilities for human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit. This initiative aims to establish an operational BAS by 2035 and envisions an Indian crewed lunar mission by 2040. The enhanced funding of Rs. 20,193 Crore (US$ 2.41 billion) will facilitate technological advancements, foster industrial participation, and create job opportunities, particularly for the youth in science and technology fields. The BAS will serve as a catalyst for innovation, benefiting society through technological spin-offs and advancements in microgravity research.