In a monumental decision, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the construction of India’s first space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). This ambitious project marks a historic milestone in India’s space journey, with the launch of the first module scheduled for 2028. As part of the expansion of the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme, the revised mission now encompasses the development of BAS, pushing India to the forefront of long-duration human space exploration.
The extended scope of the Gaganyaan Programme, initially approved in 2018, includes not only human spaceflight missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) but also sets the foundation for advanced space technologies that will enable India to venture further into space. The newly approved plan focuses on demonstrating the critical technologies required for operating BAS, with four additional missions aimed at validating these technologies by December 2028.
India’s space ambitions extend beyond LEO, with a vision for an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian-crewed lunar mission by 2040, aligning with the goals set for the Amrit Kaal period. This step mirrors global efforts as leading spacefaring nations invest heavily in long-duration human space missions, with a view toward exploration beyond the Moon.
ISRO will lead the Gaganyaan Programme in collaboration with industry, academia, and various national agencies. By 2026, the space agency plans to complete four missions under the Gaganyaan banner, while an additional four missions will follow to demonstrate and validate the necessary technologies for the space station’s development. The total budget for the programme has been increased to ₹20,193 crore, with an additional ₹11,170 crore allocated to accommodate the revised scope of work.
BAS will serve as a national hub for cutting-edge research in microgravity and other space-based sciences, fostering technological innovations and industrial advancements. The program is expected to have a far-reaching impact, generating employment in high-tech sectors and encouraging India’s youth to pursue careers in space science and technology.
This landmark project will catapult India into a new era of space exploration, bringing societal benefits through technological spin-offs and advancements in scientific research. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is poised to position India as a major player in the global space race, setting the stage for future lunar and deep-space missions.
