The Indian Space Research Organisation has finalised the configuration of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, a significant step towards India’s long-term human spaceflight goals. A National Level Review Committee has approved the overall design, which consists of five modules scheduled to be fully operational by 2035. Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced the development in the Lok Sabha.
The first module, BAS-01, secured Cabinet approval in 2024 and is set to launch in 2028. Work on its systems has begun under the larger Gaganyaan program, which now has a total budget of Rs 20,193 crore. BAS-01 is being designed to meet worldwide interoperability standards to facilitate collaboration with global space agencies.
The modular station will have dedicated sections for core operations, scientific experiments, and docking activities. It is intended to host a crew of three to four astronauts for up to six months in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 400 to 450 kilometres.
India is developing key technologies, including a life support system, docking and berthing mechanisms, automated hatch systems, and a robotic arm that was tested on the POEM-4 mission. The modules will be launched by LVM3 rockets, allowing assembly until 2035 and advancing India’s Space Vision 2047.
