SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Department of Space (DoS) | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
The Government has confirmed that the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s indigenous space station, is the next logical step in the sustained Indian Human Space Programme. Development of the station’s initial module (BAS-01) is integrated into the revised Gaganyaan Programme, which aims to establish an operational orbiting platform in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Key Objectives, Timelines, and Funding:
Official Name & Vision: The space station will be known as “Bharatiya Antariksh Station” (BAS). It is central to India’s long-term Space Vision 2047, which includes an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Timeline: The first module (BAS-01) is targeted for launch in the 2028 timeframe. The BAS is expected to be fully operationalized with all modules by the 2035 timeframe.
Funding: The total funding for the revised Gaganyaan Programme, which includes BAS precursor missions, has been enhanced to ₹20,193 crore (with an additional funding of ₹11,170 crore recently approved).
Purpose: BAS will serve as a platform for undertaking medium to long-duration human spaceflight missions and carrying out cutting-edge scientific research and technology development activities in the unique microgravity environment.
Operational and Strategic Details:
Interoperability: ISRO is incorporating necessary international standards in the design of BAS-01 subsystems to ensure interoperability with systems provided by other international agencies.
Collaboration: The programme is a national effort led by ISRO in collaboration with Industry, Academia, and other National agencies, providing a unique opportunity for youth to pursue careers in science and technology.
Precursor Missions: The expanded Gaganyaan program includes a total of eight missions by December 2028 focused on developing and validating critical technologies for BAS.
Policy Relevance
The integration of the BAS initiative into the expanded Gaganyaan Programme, backed by substantial and specific budgetary allocation, is a profound policy commitment. This national space facility will accelerate indigenous capability development, foster public-private participation (in line with the opening of the space sector), and position India as a key player in global space governance and research, ensuring technological spin-offs benefit the broader economy and inspire future generations.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific policy incentives will the Department of Space introduce to ensure that the private industry and academia maximize their contribution to the BAS development and meet the ambitious 2028-2035 timelines?
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