ISRO Unveils Model of India’s First Space Station – Bharatiya Antariksh Station
India’s space program has reached another historic milestone with the unveiling of the model for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), the country’s first planned space station. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased the model during the National Space Day celebrations in New Delhi, offering the first public glimpse of its ambitious orbital laboratory.
The First Step – BAS-01 Module
The displayed model represents the BAS-01 module, the foundational building block of the space station. ISRO plans to launch this 10-tonne module into a 450-kilometer orbit by 2028. Equipped with indigenous systems such as life support, docking technology, and automated hatch mechanisms, the module is designed to function independently while supporting future expansion.
The BAS-01 also includes viewports for scientific observation and crew recreation, making it a versatile and self-reliant platform. By 2035, ISRO envisions expanding the station into a five-module orbital complex, capable of supporting advanced human spaceflight and research.
Gateway to Advanced Space Research
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is set to become a hub for cutting-edge research in microgravity, enabling Indian scientists to test technologies vital for long-duration missions and interplanetary exploration. Experiments conducted on BAS will pave the way for India’s future ventures, including deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.
Beyond scientific research, BAS is also designed to support commercial space opportunities, including space tourism, international collaborations, and private sector participation. This positions India among the select nations capable of operating their own orbital laboratories, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.
India’s Growing Space Ambitions
The unveiling of the BAS model comes at a time when ISRO is making significant progress in its human spaceflight program (Gaganyaan) and increasing its focus on sustainable, indigenous space technology. The BAS project is not just about science and technology but also about asserting India’s strategic presence in low Earth orbit.
With this step, ISRO has signaled its determination to make India a leader in space exploration and innovation. The model unveiling has sparked excitement across the scientific community and the public, representing a bold vision of India’s future in space.
