New Delhi: In a historic leap for India’s space journey, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the first model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), marking the country’s entry into the elite league of nations with independent orbital laboratories. The reveal took place during the two-day National Space Day celebrations in the capital on Friday.
With this ambitious project, India aims to join the ranks of space powers that operate space stations — currently limited to the International Space Station (ISS), jointly run by five agencies, and China’s Tiangong station.
🚀 India’s Space Lab Timeline
The first module, BAS-01, is set to launch by 2028.
By 2035, ISRO plans to expand the station into a five-module orbital hub.
The BAS-01 module, weighing about 10 tonnes, will orbit Earth at an altitude of 450 km. Designed with indigenous technology, it features:
Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)
Bharat Docking System
Bharat Berthing Mechanism
Automated hatch system for crew operations
Beyond being a landmark in engineering, the BAS will serve as a multi-purpose platform for:
Microgravity experiments
Cutting-edge technology demonstrations
High-resolution scientific imaging
Crew recreation through special observation viewports
🌌 Why It Matters
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is not just a scientific project but a symbol of India’s growing leadership in space exploration. It reflects the country’s determination to move beyond satellite launches and lunar missions, building a long-term human presence in orbit.