The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has started the design process for essential subsystems associated with the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s first homegrown space station. This announcement was made by the Centre during a parliamentary session on Friday. The development is viewed as a significant advancement in India’s objective to establish a modular space station in low-Earth orbit by the year 2035.

Design Review and Future Plans Announced

Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, shared that the Baseline Design Review and System Engineering for the initial module, designated as BAS-01, have been successfully completed. A total of 31 baseline design documents have already been released. Following the completion of the review by an expert committee, the groundwork for the design of subsystems has been firmly set.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is envisioned to consist of five modules, with the maiden module scheduled for launch by 2028. This mission gained Cabinet approval in October 2024 as part of the expanded Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The government stated that technological advancements made under the Gaganyaan initiative will form the basis of the future space station.

Considerable progress has been made in developing the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), the Orbital Module, the Crew Escape System, ground infrastructure, flight operations, communication networks, and crew recovery systems. These elements are critical to the overall mission and are being prioritised in Isro’s plans.

Key Missions and Technologies Under Development

Isro has successfully completed three major precursor missions, namely the Test Vehicle Demonstration-1 (TV-D1), Integrated Air Drop Test-01 (IADT-01), and Integrated Air Drop Test-02 (IADT-02). Preparations have now reached an advanced stage for G1, the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Alongside these efforts, the government has reported advancements in docking technologies, including the necessary electrical and mechanical interfaces for spacecraft docking.

An in-space refuelling mechanism has also undergone successful testing as part of technology development aimed at facilitating long-duration human space missions. The achievement of this milestone indicates significant strides in capabilities essential for future space endeavours.

To support the Gaganyaan programme, several crucial technologies, such as flight suits, crew seats, spacecraft viewports, and advanced docking systems, are currently being sourced from external vendors. However, the Centre has approved their development within India, and efforts are already underway for designing and prototyping essential hardware.

Strengthening Self-Reliance and Future Prospects

The Centre has emphasised that these initiatives will not only create a solid technological foundation for the remaining four modules of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station but will also enhance India’s self-reliance in pivotal human spaceflight technologies. Furthermore, these advancements aim to foster high-technology manufacturing essential for upcoming crewed missions.

Through these programmes, Isro is poised to contribute significantly to both national capabilities in space exploration and global advancements in space technology. The ongoing developments are expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s role in the international space community.

The commitment to these projects underscores India’s dedication to advancing its space exploration initiatives and fulfilling the ambitions laid out in its broader strategic goals for the future. As timelines for the Antariksh Station and Gaganyaan missions solidify, Isro continues to work towards realising these transformative objectives.

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