top of page

ISRO Unveils Model of Bharatiya Antariksh Station: A Leap into India's Space Future

On August 22, 2025, during the National Space Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled a 1:1 scale model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). This marks a significant milestone in India's ambitious plans to establish its own space station, positioning the country among a select group of nations operating orbital laboratories.


The newly unveiled BAS-01 module is expected to weigh 10 tonnes and would be placed in a low orbit at 450 km above the Earth. (X) | News18
The newly unveiled BAS-01 module is expected to weigh 10 tonnes and would be placed in a low orbit at 450 km above the Earth. (X) | News18

Vision and Timeline

India plans to launch the first module of the BAS, BAS-01, by 2028, with the complete station expected to be operational by 2035. The BAS will comprise five interconnected modules, each contributing to various aspects of space research and technology development. The first module, BAS-01, will weigh approximately 10 tonnes and will be placed in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 450 km.


Design and Capabilities

The BAS is designed to support a crew of 3–4 astronauts for durations of 3–6 months. It will feature a modular structure with five interconnected units:

  • Base Module: The foundational unit housing essential systems.

  • Core Module: Central hub for operations and crew activities.

  • Science Module: Dedicated to scientific research and experiments.

  • Laboratory Module: Equipped for advanced research and development.

  • Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Module: Facilitates docking and integration with other spacecraft.


The station will orbit at an altitude of 400–450 km with an inclination of 51.5°, making it accessible to spaceports of various international space agencies.


Technological Innovations

ISRO is developing several indigenous technologies for the BAS, including:

  • Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS): Ensures a habitable environment for the crew.

  • Bharat Docking System (BDS) and Bharat Berthing Mechanism (BBM): Facilitate safe docking and berthing operations.

  • Automated Hatch System: Allows for efficient crew ingress and egress.


Additionally, a robotic arm is planned to assist in station construction and maintenance. A prototype developed by VSSC was tested on the POEM-4 mission in January 2025.


Strategic Importance

The establishment of the BAS will position India among an elite group of nations operating orbital laboratories, alongside the International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiangong station. This advancement will enhance India's capabilities in space research, technology development, and international collaboration.


Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the BAS is expected to support space tourism and commercial space activities, further solidifying India's role in the global space sector. The project also opens avenues for international collaborations, contributing to the global advancement of space exploration.


Conclusion

The unveiling of the BAS model underscores ISRO's commitment to advancing space technology and fostering international partnerships in space exploration. As India steps into this new era of space exploration, the BAS stands as a testament to the nation's growing prowess in space technology and its aspirations to contribute significantly to global space research and development.



Comments

bottom of page