The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to mark a great achievement in its journey towards global space exploration with the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)—India’s very first space station. This ambitious project is a significant milestone that showcases India's growing expertise in space science and technology. It will also positions the country as a key player in the global space community.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station aims to revolutionize space exploration, enable cutting-edge scientific research, and further strengthen India’s capabilities in the vast frontier of space. Let’s take a closer look at what BAS is, its goals, and the timeline for its completion.

What Is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)?

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is a modular space station designed to serve as a hub for conducting a wide range of scientific experiments in space. This will include studies in life sciences, medicine, and other fields crucial for furthering human understanding of outer space and its potential for Earth-bound applications. The space station will provide essential support for India’s broader ambitions in space exploration, including long-duration human missions and deep space exploration.

The modular design of BAS means it will be built in phases, allowing flexibility to integrate new technologies and capabilities over time. Each module will play a vital role in supporting human life and scientific research.

The Budget Behind the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station project is integrated into India’s broader Gaganyaan program, which focuses on advancing human spaceflight technology. The project has a total budget of ₹20,193 crore, which covers the development of necessary technologies, precursor missions, and the construction of the space station itself.

This investment reflects ISRO’s commitment to not only achieving technical milestones but also creating a sustainable infrastructure for space exploration that will benefit India for years to come.

Timeline for the Completion of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station

The journey towards making BAS a reality will begin in 2028, with the launch of the Base Module, which will lay the foundation for the station. This module is critical for testing the systems needed to ensure the station can support long-term human habitation and operations in space.

The government’s Press Information Bureau confirmed that the Gaganyaan program, which includes BAS, will undergo revisions to incorporate these new missions and hardware requirements. The first unit of BAS-1 is expected to be launched by 2028, marking an important step in ISRO’s human spaceflight ambitions.

The full completion and operational status of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is targeted for 2035. This timeline allows ISRO to take a phased approach, with each stage providing valuable insights and experience that will help refine the station's systems and ensure its future success. The lessons learned from these early phases will be used to integrate new technologies and address challenges before the station becomes fully operational.

How Many Astronauts Will BAS Host?

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is designed to host a crew of up to three astronauts initially. These astronauts will engage in a range of activities, from conducting experiments to testing the station’s life-support and operational systems. Over time, as the station’s capabilities expand, ISRO plans to upgrade BAS to accommodate a crew of up to six astronauts, which will allow for longer missions.

The station will feature advanced life-support systems, which will be essential for ensuring astronauts’ safety and well-being during extended stays. This progressive upgrade approach will provide ISRO with the experience and infrastructure needed to undertake more ambitious space missions, including those that may venture beyond Earth’s orbit.

A Vision for the Future: India's Growing Presence in Space

The establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is more than just a technical project—it’s a testament to India’s aspirations in the space domain. Once completed, BAS will be a hub for scientific research, enabling the country to contribute to humanity’s understanding of space in ways previously unimaginable. The space station’s ability to support human life and experimentation in space will open up new possibilities for India, especially in areas like medicine, biotechnology, and materials science.

By 2035, the BAS is expected to foster technological advancements that can benefit both space exploration and life on Earth. The project is expected to pave the way for greater international collaboration in space and position India as a leader in space exploration for decades to come.