Building Bharatiya Antariksh Station: ISRO’s Multi-Phase Assembly Plan

Context

With the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aiming to build the modular Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), which would be put together in several stages, India’s space aspirations are growing to unprecedented heights.

India’s Space Tech Triumphs: A Glimpse into the Future

• In a momentous meeting to evaluate the advancements of the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s space exploration aspirations took center stage.
• Deliberations reverberated with anticipation and excitement as the trajectory of India’s space endeavors unfolded.
• Amidst the discussions, a resounding vision emerged — the establishment of India as a pioneering force in space exploration.
• The Gaganyaan Mission, a testament to India’s technological prowess, served as the cornerstone for future endeavors.
• With unwavering determination, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) charted ambitious plans.
• Foremost among them was the directive to establish ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s space exploration capabilities.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Conceptualization and Configuration Update

• The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) is presently in the conceptualization phase, as confirmed by the minister in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha.
• During the conceptualization phase, the focus is on studying the overall architecture of the space station, determining the required number of modules, and identifying their types.
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is actively engaged in configuring the space station to meet the established objectives.
• Given that the BAS will be established in phases, modules will be launched at different times to facilitate the phased assembly process.

India’s Upcoming Space Goals

• Indian Space Station:
  • The head of ISRO predicts that the station will be far smaller than the 450-ton International Space Station and the 100-ton Chinese Tiangong Space Station, weighing only 20 tonnes.
• Moon Missions:
  •  India’s future Moon exploration missions are being planned by ISRO.
  • The space agency is conducting feasibility assessments for potential robotic exploration missions that might involve sending landers, orbiters, or rovers to the Moon.
  • India also intends to launch spacecraft to the Moon with the capability of returning lunar samples to Earth. By 2040, Indian astronauts will visit the moon, according to ISRO Chairman S Somanath.
  • As part of the Gaganyaan programme, the Indian space agency wants to launch two to three Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit and keep them there for up to three days before safely returning them to a pre-arranged spot in Indian waters.
• Mars Mission :
  • India has already launched an orbiter on a Mars mission. The US and China have already succeeded in sending a lander, which is the next logical step.
    • Russia has made a successful landing on Mars as well, although its lander quit their jobs shortly after.
• Indigenous Lander Technology:
  • Prior to the Chandrayaan 2 mission, India lacked lander technology.
  • It created its own lander technology when Russia withdrew after one of its landers failed to land on the Martian moon Phobos.
• Others:
  • In addition, scientists will be working on a Mars Lander Mission and a Venus Orbiter Mission.
  • ISRO will also be developing a new launch pad, a next-generation launch vehicle, and human-centered labs and technologies.

FAQs

Q1 : What is Bharatiya Antariksh Station?
Ans: India’s space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, is being built by ISRO. ISRO plans to build the station gradually and hopes to have it operational by 2035. The overall architecture, quantity, and kinds of modules required for the Indian space station have been researched and determined during the station’s “conceptualization phase.”

Q2: Has the government given Bharatiya Antariksh Station any funding?
Ans : Following the conclusion of feasibility studies, funding for Bharatiya Antariksh Station will be taken into consideration. A proposal will then be presented to the government for approval following the required observations and investigations.

Q3: What is the name of the space station India intends to construct by 2035?
Ans: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is tasked with building and running the Indian Orbital Space Station, also known as Bharatiya Antariksha Station. The space station is expected to be built in India.