Bhartiya Antriksh Station

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have entered into a collaboration to design and conduct various experiments for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), India's proposed indigenous space station.

About Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS)

BAS is India’s upcoming space station, It is part of the broader ambitions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to enhance its capabilities in human spaceflight and scientific research.
Specifications:
- First Module: The first module of BAS, referred to as BAS-1, is currently under development.
- Launch Date: The first module is expected to be launched by 2028, with the operational space station aimed for completion by 2035.
- Crew Capacity: The station will be designed to accommodate a crew of 3-4 astronauts.
- Orbit: The station will be positioned in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 kilometres.
- Microgravity Research: BAS will facilitate long-duration human space missions and support scientific experiments in microgravity.

Need for a Space Station

Scientific Research: A space station allows for extensive research in various fields such as biology, physics, astronomy, and materials science in a microgravity environment.
Technological Development: It serves as a platform for developing and testing new technologies that can be used in future deep-space missions.
International Collaboration: Establishing a space station positions India as a key player in global space exploration efforts, fostering international partnerships.
Preparation for Lunar Missions: The station will support preparations for India’s planned manned lunar mission by 2040, enhancing capabilities for sustainable human presence beyond Earth.

Global Context: Other Space Stations

International Space Station (ISS)
- It was launched in 1998.
- It is approximately the size of a football field and can support six crew members.
- It is a collaborative effort involving five space agencies (NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA).
Tiangong Space Station (China)
- The first module, Tianhe, was launched in April 2021.
Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS):
- Scheduled launch 2027, completion by 2033