During the two-day National Space Day celebrations held in New Delhi on Friday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled a model of the much-anticipated Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) module, marking a major milestone in India’s space ambitions.
The BAS project positions India among the select group of nations operating orbital laboratories. Currently, only the International Space Station (ISS), jointly run by five space agencies, and China’s Tiangong space station are in operation.
India plans to launch the first BAS module, BAS-01, by 2028 and expand the station to five modules by 2035. The unveiled BAS-01 module weighs around 10 tonne and is designed to orbit Earth at an altitude of 450 kilometre.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will also bolster India’s entry into the commercial space sector. (Photo: ISRO)
Equipped with indigenous technologies, BAS-01 includes the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Bharat Docking System, the Bharat Berthing Mechanism, and an automated hatch system.
The station will serve as a versatile platform for microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and scientific imaging through specially designed viewports for both research and crew recreation.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
Beyond daily operations, the BAS will have advanced features such as refilling propellant and ECLSS fluids, radiation and thermal protection, and shielding against Micro Meteoroid Orbital Debris (MMOD). It will also support extravehicular activities through space suits and airlocks, alongside integrated plug-and-play avionics systems.
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Serving as a premier research platform, the BAS will facilitate studies in space sciences, life sciences, medicine, and interplanetary exploration. It will also enable research into the effects of microgravity on human health and the testing of key technologies for long-duration human space missions.
Boost to India’s Commercial Space Sector
Significantly, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will also bolster India’s entry into the commercial space sector by supporting space tourism, fostering international collaborations, and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in space technology and research.
The massive 3.8-meter by 8-meter BAS-01 module model became the highlight of National Space Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, drawing wide attention from scientists, policymakers, students, and space enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into India’s visionary space exploration plans.
