India’s space station plan gets cabinet nod

New Delhi, Sep 18: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of India's first space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

The project marks a major milestone in India's space exploration ambitions, with the first module of the space station set to be launched by 2028. This decision also expands the scope of the Gaganyaan Programme, India's human spaceflight initiative.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will be India's very own platform for scientific space research. The first unit, known as BAS-1, will demonstrate and validate various technologies essential for building and operating the space station. The Gaganyaan Programme, originally approved in December 2018, focused on sending humans into low Earth orbit (LEO). Now, with the revised scope, the program will also include the development of BAS and several precursor missions to ensure the technology is ready for long-term human space missions.

As part of the expanded programme, India plans to conduct eight missions, including one additional uncrewed mission, by December 2028. These missions will focus on validating critical technologies for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, laying the groundwork for India's long-term space exploration goals, including the establishment of a fully operational space station by 2035 and an Indian-crewed lunar mission by 2040.

ISRO will lead the development of BAS in collaboration with industry, academic institutions, and other national agencies. The program will follow ISRO's established project management mechanisms, ensuring rigorous oversight and testing. By 2026, ISRO aims to complete four missions under the ongoing Gaganyaan Programme, followed by four additional missions focused on developing and testing the technologies required for BAS by 2028.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will serve as a national space-based facility, advancing scientific research in microgravity and driving technological innovation. This platform is expected to boost research and development activities in key areas such as material science, biology, and medicine, while also encouraging industrial participation in India’s burgeoning space sector.

The space station program is expected to have far-reaching impacts on India's economy, particularly in high-technology sectors. The government has allocated an additional ₹11,170 crore for the expanded Gaganyaan Programme, bringing the total budget to ₹20,193 crore. This investment will create significant employment opportunities, especially in niche areas of space technology and related industries.

The programme is also expected to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and researchers. With increased opportunities for youth to participate in space missions, India aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in space exploration.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is a crucial part of India's broader space vision during the Amrit Kaal, a period marked by the government's ambition to make India a global leader in science and technology. As space-faring nations around the world invest heavily in human space missions, India’s space station will position the country at the forefront of long-duration space exploration.