A significant step toward India’s aspirations for human spaceflight is being taken by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which is moving forward with plans to construct the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
Under the extended Gaganyaan initiative, the Union Cabinet approved the first module, BAS-01, which is presently being developed. The module is expected to launch by 2028 and will cost an estimated ₹1,763 crore, according to information provided to Parliament by Minister of State Jitendra Singh.
A five-module orbital platform, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is scheduled to be fully assembled by 2035. In an effort to promote greater public-private cooperation, ISRO has started system engineering work and encouraged private business participation through its Vikram Sarabhai Space Center.
Advanced capabilities including docking, robotic operations, in-orbit refueling, and microgravity research will be supported by BAS once it is operational. Advanced materials, medicines, and biological sciences are important areas of study.
The project places India among a small number of countries with autonomous space station capabilities and symbolizes the country’s shift from short-duration missions to long-term human presence in space.
Source – India Today
