This ambitious project, led by ISRO, aims to establish a fully operational space station with five modules by 2035.
India's ambitious space station project, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), is set to begin with the launch of its first module in 2028. This modular space station will weigh approximately 52 tons and orbit at an altitude of 400-450 km. It is designed to support a crew of 3-4 astronauts for durations of 3-6 months.
The BAS will be developed in phases, with the first module serving as the base for subsequent additions. By 2035, the station is expected to be fully operational with five interconnected modules. The project aims to advance India's capabilities in long-duration human space missions and microgravity-based scientific research.
A significant milestone for the BAS was achieved with the successful demonstration of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) in January 2025. This experiment validated India's ability to autonomously dock satellites in orbit, a critical capability for assembling and maintaining a modular space station.
The BAS project is part of India's broader vision for space exploration, which includes the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and plans for a crewed Moon landing by 2040.
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Notably, ISRO's Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and the NASA's International Space Station (ISS) differ in several key aspects. The ISS is a collaborative effort involving multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and European nations, aimed at fostering international cooperation in space research. The BAS, on the other hand, is India's independent initiative to advance its space exploration capabilities and conduct scientific research.
Besides, the ISS is significantly larger, with a mass of about 420 tons and the ability to host up to 7 astronauts for extended periods. The BAS is planned to weigh around 52 tons and accommodate 3-4 astronauts for durations of 3-6 months.
The ISS consists of multiple interconnected modules contributed by various countries. The BAS will be developed in phases, starting with one module in 2028 and expanding to five modules by 2035.
Besides, the ISS is significantly larger, with a mass of about 420 tons and the ability to host up to 7 astronauts for extended periods. The BAS is planned to weigh around 52 tons and accommodate 3-4 astronauts for durations of 3-6 months.
The ISS consists of multiple interconnected modules contributed by various countries. The BAS will be developed in phases, starting with one module in 2028 and expanding to five modules by 2035.
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| ISS |
Both stations will orbit at similar altitudes of approximately 400-450 km above Earth. The ISS represents a global partnership, while the BAS is a national project, although India may collaborate with other countries for specific missions.
The BAS emphasizes microgravity research, long-duration human space missions, and supporting India's broader space exploration goals, such as lunar missions. The ISS has a broader scope, including international scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
The BAS reflects India's growing ambitions in space exploration and its desire to establish a self-reliant presence in orbit.
The BAS emphasizes microgravity research, long-duration human space missions, and supporting India's broader space exploration goals, such as lunar missions. The ISS has a broader scope, including international scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
The BAS reflects India's growing ambitions in space exploration and its desire to establish a self-reliant presence in orbit.
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