ISRO Unveils Model of Indian Space Station (BAS): New Flight of India’s Space Dreams
India has taken another historic step in the field of space science by presenting the model of its self-built space station, BAS (Indian Space Station), to the public. The unveiling took place during the National Space Day celebrations, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The magnificent BAS-01 model of 3.8 m x 8 m was displayed at the event, which caught the attention of the people present.
This plan of India is not just a technological project, but it reflects the country’s growing scientific capability, self-reliance, and ambition to lead in space exploration.
In this article, we will understand in detail what the Indian Space Station (BAS) is, what its features will be, why India is building it, what its scientific and societal benefits, and how it will take India to new heights in the list of space powers.
India’s space dream and the beginning of BAS
When India started its space program in the 1960s, very few people could believe that one day India would not only build satellites but also build its own space station.
Today, this dream is on its way to becoming a reality. ISRO has announced that the first module of the Indian space station BAS-01 will be put into orbit by 2028. This module will weigh about 10 tonnes and is planned to be installed in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers.
This means that India will join the ranks of select countries in the next few years that have their own orbital laboratory. Currently, only two operational space stations exist:
1. International Space Station (ISS) – operated by the five space agencies of the US, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Europe.
2. China’s Tiangong station, which has been independently developed by China.
Now India is going to become the third name in this list.
Major plans of the Indian Space Station (BAS)
ISRO’s goal is not just to build a small station, but to convert it into a full-fledged space lab in a phased manner.
2028 – The first module (BAS-01) will be launched.
By 2035, A total of 5 modules will be added to make it a larger and advanced space station.
Each new module will enhance the capabilities of the station, making it useful for long-term human habitation, scientific experiments, and interplanetary research.
Technical features of BAS
The design and structure of the Indian Space Station are completely based on indigenous technology. Many of its important features have come to light:
1. Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)
This system will provide breathable air, proper temperature, and pressure to the astronauts. This will be exactly like the environment needed for life on Earth.
2. India Docking System and Berthing Mechanism
This will be a system to safely connect new modules or spacecraft coming to the station. This will also make international cooperation easier in the future.
3. Microgravity Research Platform
Scientists on the station will be able to do experiments that are not possible on Earth, such as:
Biological research
Drug development
Creation of new materials
Studying the effects on human health in space
4. Viewport for crew entertainment and scientific imaging
There will be a large window-like structure through which astronauts will be able to see the Earth and space. This will help both in maintaining psychological balance and scientific observation.
5. Safety systems
Protection from radiation
Protection from micro meteorites and orbital debris (MMOD)
Airlock facility (for EVA – Extra Vehicular Activity, i.e., spacewalk)
Space suit and plug-and-play avionics system
6. Fuel and propulsion system
There will be a propulsion system to keep the station stable in orbit and change its altitude when required.
Benefits from BAS
1. New era of scientific research
Life science: Study of the effects of prolonged weightlessness (microgravity) on the human body.
Medical science: Testing of new drugs and medical techniques.
Physics and chemistry: Experiments that are possible only in space conditions.
2. Space tourism
India does not want to limit its space station to scientists only. In the coming times, space tourism will also be possible, which will boost India’s economy and commercial space industry.
3. International cooperation
BAS will become a global center of scientific research. Scientists from different countries will be able to work together on it.
4. Inspiration to the youth
This project will inspire millions of students and youth of India to pursue a career in the field of science and technology.
Why is India building a space station?
India already has many satellite programs, projects like Mars Mission (MOM), Chandrayaan, and Gaganyaan. Then why is BAS necessary?
1. Strategic advantage – Self-reliance in space technology.
2. Scientific requirement – Platform for long stay and research in space.
3. Preparation for interplanetary missions – Testing of technology for future human missions to Mars, Moon, or other planets.
4. Economic opportunity – New market worth billions of dollars from space tourism and private sector participation.
India and the world: Comparison
US and Russia have been running space stations for decades. They are the main contributors to the ISS.
China has been operating the Tiangong station since 2021.
India is now entering this field for the first time, but its specialty is that India is famous for low cost and high efficiency.
If India achieves this goal, it will prove that big scientific goals do not depend only on excessive money, but also on technological innovation and determination.
Relationship between BAS and Gaganyaan Mission
Before moving towards the Indian Space Station, ISRO will have to make the Gaganyaan mission successful. Gaganyaan will be India’s first manned space mission, in which Indian astronauts (Gagannauts) will be sent to Earth’s orbit.
Gaganyaan will give ISRO experience in human life support, safety, and return technology.
This experience will be very useful in the operation and management of BAS.
Impact of BAS on society
Education
School and college students will be able to study the experiments and data related to this project.
Curiosity and enthusiasm for science will increase among children.
Health
Studies on the human body in microgravity can help in the treatment of diseases on Earth.
Industry
Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, material science, and electronics can benefit from research coming out of BAS.
employment
Scientists, engineers, technicians, and lakhs of people associated with the space industry will get employment opportunities.
challenges
Where there are big dreams, there are challenges too. To make BAS a success, India will have to grapple with many problems:
1. Technical complexity – Building and running a space station is an extremely complex task.
2. Economic cost – This project can cost billions of dollars.
3. Human safety – Safety of astronauts will be the biggest challenge.
4. International politics – Global rules and cooperation will be required for space activities.
Future Prospects
The Indian Space Station will take India to new heights not only in 2028 but also in the decades to come.
After 2035, India can open its station for international collaboration.
By the 2040s, it can become the base for Mars and Moon missions.
Long-term impact – India will become a sustainable space power.
The Indian Space Station (BAS) is not just a scientific project for India, but it is a symbol of self-reliance, innovation, and national pride.
The launch of its first module in 2028 will put India in the league of select countries that have a permanent presence in space. In the coming years, when this station expands and becomes a full-fledged space lab, it will be beneficial not only for India but for the entire humanity.
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