BHARATIYA ANTARIKSH STATION (BAS)

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to develop the Indian Space Station (BAS) by 2035.
• It will be India's first permanent orbital research station, orbiting at an altitude of 400-450 km above the Earth.
• It will be important for various scientific experiments, long-term space travel and future lunar and Mars missions.

Major components and structure of BAS

• Number of modules: 5
• Construction process: Will be done in phases
• Initial launch: First base module will be launched in 2028
• Timeline for becoming fully operational: 2035
• Energy source: Powered by solar energy
• Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk III and new heavy launch vehicles developed by India in the future

Scientific significance of BAS

Testing ground for astronauts

• Study of strategies to keep astronauts safe and healthy on long-term space missions.
• Analysis of the effects on the body from long-term stay in space.

Earth Observation and Climate Research

• Earth observation with higher spatial resolution, which will enable better study of environmental changes and disasters.
• Improvement in climate change and weather forecasting.

Microgravity Research

• Biomedical experiments: Study of the effects on muscles and bones of the human body in space.
• Development of new materials: Advanced materials and pharmaceutical research in microgravity.
• Botany: Possibilities of plant growth and cultivation in space.

Comparison of Other Space Stations with BAS

Key Highlights of BAS Compared to Other Stations

• Fully indigenous: Unlike ISS, which is a collaboration of multiple agencies, BAS will be fully developed and managed by ISRO.
• Strategic Independence: BAS will give India autonomy in long-term space research, unlike current dependency on ISS.
• Scientific Focus: While ISS focuses on global collaborations, BAS will primarily serve India’s scientific and exploratory missions.
• Potential Lunar & Mars Exploration Support: Unlike ISS, BAS could serve as a transition hub for future deep-space missions by ISRO.

Challenges and Future Plans of BAS

Challenges

• Advanced Life Support System – Developing efficient systems for long-term space habitation.
• Heavy Payload Capacity – India must develop more powerful rockets to carry large station modules.
• Astronaut Safety – Studying radiation exposure and physiological impacts for prolonged stays.
• Financial & Technological Resources – Managing high costs and advanced technology requirements.

Future Plans

• Unmanned Module by 2028 – First module launch planned before human missions.
• Fully Operational by 2035 – Complete space station setup and continuous research.
• Transit Hub for Lunar & Mars Missions – Serving as a stepping stone for deep-space exploration.
• International Collaboration & Commercial Use – Partnering with global agencies and private enterprises.