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Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
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India is building its own space station called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), which will allow Indian astronauts to live and work in space for long periods, just like the International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong Station. 

ISRO plans to launch the first part of the station in 2028, and by 2035, it will become a fully functional space laboratory with five connected modules. 


BAS will be used for scientific research, technology testing, space tourism, and future missions to the Moon and Mars, marking a big step in India’s journey as a global space leader.

ISRO Showcases Model of Bharatiya Antariksh Station

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed a full-scale model of India’s upcoming space station, called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). 

The model was showcased at the National Space Day celebrations in New Delhi.

This marks a big step in India’s space journey, as BAS is being developed to give India its own permanent presence in space. 

The station will be used for human spaceflight, scientific research, and even future space-based industries.

India’s Plan for BAS

  • The first BAS module, called BAS-01, will be launched in 2028.

  • With this, India will join an elite group of countries that have their own space stations — currently, only the International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong Station are operational.

  • By 2035, ISRO plans to have five connected modules, making BAS a fully functional orbital laboratory.

The first module will weigh about 10 tonnes, orbit Earth at around 450 km altitude, and serve as the base for further expansion.

Key Features of BAS

  • Life Support Systems: Developed in India, these systems will provide astronauts with air, water, and a safe living environment.

  • Docking & Berthing System: Allows spacecraft to connect to the station.

  • Automated Operations: Hatches and controls designed for efficiency.

  • Expandable Design: Modules can be added over time.

Roadmap for BAS (2025–2035)

Year

Activity

2025–2026

Final design work. Ground testing of life support, docking, and systems for long missions.

2027

Space missions to test docking, hatches, refuelling, and other technologies.

2028

Launch of BAS-01 (10-ton module) on LVM3 rocket into 450 km orbit. Unmanned operations start with basic labs and life support.

2029–2030

Addition of a second module for science research. First short crew missions and testing of spacewalk suits and airlocks.

2031–2032

Third module added. Crews can stay 1–3 months. Research in medicine, life sciences, and materials begins. Limited space tourism starts.

2033–2034

Fourth module added with labs and living space. Regular crew rotations, cargo supply missions, and more international collaborations.

2035

Fifth and final module added. BAS becomes fully operational, supporting sustainable living, research, and international astronauts. Will also help prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars.

What BAS Will Offer

  • Research & Science: Experiments in microgravity, medicine, materials, and space technology.

  • Earth Monitoring: Observation for science and disaster management.

  • Safety for Astronauts: Protection against radiation, space debris, and extreme space conditions.

  • Long Missions: Facilities for fuel refilling and consumable supplies.

  • Space Tourism: Opportunities for people outside government missions to visit space in the future.

  • Future Exploration: A stepping stone for missions to the Moon and Mars.

Why BAS Matters

The unveiling of the BAS-01 model (3.8 m × 8 m) attracted wide attention and showed India’s determination to:

  • Inspire the next generation of young Indians.

  • Build stronger global partnerships in space.

  • Move from being a spacefaring nation to a global leader in sustainable human space presence.

With BAS, India is not just aiming to explore space, but also to live and work in it for the long term.


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