Answer :-
- India plans to establish its own indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), under the leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The modular space station will operate in Low Earth Orbit (400–450 km altitude) and allow Indian astronauts to undertake long-duration missions of 3–6 months. The first module is expected by 2028, while the complete station is targeted for 2035.
India’s Plan for Its Own Space Station
- BAS will be developed in phases through five modules.
- It is envisioned as part of India’s long-term space roadmap after the Gaganyaan Mission.
- Technologies such as crew modules, docking systems, and life-support systems developed under Gaganyaan will support BAS.
- The station is also expected to act as a stepping stone for future lunar and deep-space missions, including India’s proposed crewed Moon mission by 2040.
Benefits to India’s Space Programme
1. Advancement of Scientific Research
- BAS will provide a permanent microgravity laboratory for research in:
- biotechnology,
- medicine,
- material science,
- fluid dynamics.
2. Strengthening Human Spaceflight Capability
- Long-duration missions will help India develop expertise in:
- astronaut health management,
- life-support systems,
- space habitation technologies.
3. Technological and Economic Growth
- The programme will promote:
- indigenous high-tech manufacturing,
- private sector participation,
- growth of India’s space economy.
4. Strategic and Geopolitical Significance
- An indigenous space station will enhance India’s strategic autonomy and strengthen its position among leading spacefaring nations.
5. Support for Future Deep-Space Missions
- BAS will serve as a testing platform for future lunar and interplanetary missions.
⇒ The Bharatiya Antariksh Station represents a major milestone in India’s transition towards becoming a leading space power. It will strengthen scientific research, human spaceflight capabilities, technological self-reliance, and India’s long-term ambitions in space exploration.