ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced that India plans to establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), by 2035. Work on the first module is expected to begin in 2028. The initiative underscores India’s ambition to achieve permanent human presence in space and expand global collaborations.
Key Highlights
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Ambitious Timeline: India aims to complete its own space station by 2035, with the first module targeted for launch in 2028.
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Indigenous Effort: The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will be developed indigenously, reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure.
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Global Recognition: India’s recent achievements, including the soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole, have positioned it among the world’s leading space powers.
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Collaborations: ISRO is working with over 60 countries to strengthen space research and technology partnerships.
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Student Inspiration: Narayanan emphasized that India’s progress is inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in space science.
India’s Space Ambition
Speaking at an event in Coimbatore, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan revealed that India is preparing to build its own space station by 2035. The project, dubbed the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), represents India’s vision of a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. The first module is expected to be launched in 2028, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian space exploration.
Building on Past Success
Narayanan highlighted India’s recent milestones, including becoming the first country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole and advancing solar studies. India is also among the few nations capable of carrying payloads up to 9,000 kg, showcasing its technological prowess. These achievements provide the foundation for the ambitious space station project.
Global Cooperation
The ISRO chief noted that India is collaborating with more than 60 countries in space research. This international cooperation will be crucial for the BAS project, enabling India to share expertise, resources, and scientific data while strengthening diplomatic ties through space diplomacy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Narayanan emphasized that India’s space journey is motivating students to look beyond traditional fields like engineering and medicine. With the BAS project, ISRO hopes to inspire young minds to pursue careers in aerospace, robotics, and astrophysics, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for the future.
Outlook
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is not just a technological milestone but a strategic move to secure India’s place among global space leaders. By 2035, India aims to join the ranks of nations with permanent human outposts in orbit, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in space exploration.
Sources: The Hindu, News18, ETV Bharat, Indian Defence News