- The first module of Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS), India’s Space Station for scientific research, is set to launch in 2028.
- The cabinet approved the inclusion of building the first unit of Bharatiya Antariksh Station and related missions in the Gaganyaan – Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
- The human space flight program will proceed with additional missions to the space station and beyond.
Jalandhar: The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on September 19th, 2024, chaired the Union Cabinet’s approval of constructing the first unit of the Indian Space Station as an extension of the Gaganyaan program.
The cabinet approves the development of BAS-1, the first module of the Indian Space Station, and the associated technology demonstration and validation missions. The Gaganyaan Programme’s revised scope and funding will encompass new advancements for BAS and precursor missions, as well as additional necessities for the ongoing project.
The Gaganyaan Programme is revised to include the scope of development and precursor missions for the Bangladesh Space Agency, an additional uncrewed mission, and extra hardware requirements. By December 2028, eight missions will be completed in the human spaceflight program through the launch of the first BAS-1 unit.
The December 2018-approved Gaganyaan Programme plans for India’s first human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and aims to establish key technologies for future Indian human space exploration endeavours. In Amrit kaal, plans for space exploration include establishing a functional Indian Space Station by 2035 and launching an Indian crewed lunar mission by 2040. Major spacefaring countries are heavily investing in and developing the technologies necessary for extended human space missions to the Moon and beyond.
Roadmap and Timeline
ISRO will head the Gaganyaan Programme in partnership with Industry, Academia, and other National agencies. The program will be managed through ISRO’s project management system. The goal is to create and display advanced technologies for extended human space travel. ISRO aims to accomplish its objective by conducting four Gaganyaan missions by 2026 and developing the first BAS module and four technology demonstration missions by December 2028.
The nation will gain the necessary technology for human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit. The establishment of a national space station like Bharatiya Antariksh Station will advance microgravity research and technology. This will generate technological spin-offs and foster innovations in crucial research and development fields. Increased employment will be generated in niche high technology areas of space and allied sectors through the human space programme’s augmented industrial participation and economic activity.
Approved Funding
IN ₹11,170 Crore more has been allocated to the Gaganyaan Program, increasing the total funding to IN ₹20,193 Crore.
This program offers a unique career path for the country’s youth in science and technology, with a focus on microgravity research and technology development. Society will reap the benefits of the resulting innovations and technological spin-offs.
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