First Look: ISRO Unveils Model of Ambitious Bharatiya Antariksh Station
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday offered a stunning glimpse into the future of India’s space exploration, unveiling the first model of its highly anticipated Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) module. The reveal, a highlight of the National Space Day celebrations in New Delhi, marks a concrete step towards India establishing its own orbital laboratory in space.
The ambitious project will place India in an exclusive club of nations capable of operating a space station, a feat currently achieved only by the multi-agency International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong station. ISRO plans to launch the first module, BAS-01, by 2028 and expand the station to a total of five modules by 2035.
The full-scale model on display at Bharat Mandapam showcased the BAS-01 module, a 10-tonne structure designed to orbit the Earth at an altitude of 450 kilometers. It is packed with indigenous technology, including a domestically developed Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Bharat Docking System, and an automated hatch system. The station is designed to be a versatile platform for cutting-edge microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and scientific imaging, with viewports for both research and crew recreation.
Functioning as a premier research hub, the BAS will enable critical studies in space sciences, medicine, and life sciences, allowing scientists to investigate the effects of microgravity on human health and test technologies vital for long-duration space missions. Beyond its scientific goals, the station is equipped with advanced capabilities for refueling, protection against radiation and space debris, and support for spacewalks.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is also poised to be a cornerstone of India’s growing presence in the commercial space sector, opening up avenues for space tourism and strengthening international collaborations. The unveiling of the massive 3.8-meter by 8-meter model captivated scientists, policymakers, and space enthusiasts, providing a tangible symbol of India’s visionary ambitions for the final frontier.
