Bharatiya Antariksha Station/Indian Orbital Space Station : India's Ambitious Leap into Space Exploration

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India's ambitious venture into space exploration continues to unfold with plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a modular space station slated to be constructed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Originally scheduled for completion by 2030, the project has been delayed to 2035 due to technical setbacks associated with the Gaganyaan crewed mission and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BAS is set to weigh approximately 52 tonnes and will maintain a stable orbit about 400 kilometers above Earth's surface, offering astronauts accommodation for stays lasting 15–20 days. The station's development will commence with the launch of its first module in 2028 aboard the LVM3 launch vehicle, with subsequent modules deployed by 2035 using the Next Generation Launch Vehicle. In 2019, ISRO's chairman K. Sivan unveiled preliminary details of the space station, initially projecting a weight of 20 tonnes. Recent advancements include the successful testing of the Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS) aboard the POEM-3 module in January 2024. This system demonstrated the capability to generate 180 watts of electricity and produce clean drinking water through a chemical reaction involving oxygen and hydrogen, showcasing its potential for sustaining power in the harsh conditions of space. ISRO is actively preparing for the BAS through its Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission, focusing on mastering rendezvous, docking, and formation flying technologies essential for station operations. Currently in the conceptualization phase, ISRO is finalizing the station's architecture, including module specifications and docking mechanisms, with financial considerations yet to be fully determined. The BAS will consist of five interconnected modules using the Common Berthing Mechanism, spanning dimensions of 27m × 20m and exceeding 52 tonnes in total mass—significantly larger than originally envisioned. It will support a crew capacity of up to six astronauts for short durations, with a nominal crew size of 3-4 astronauts. Positioned in an orbit between 400-450 km with an inclination of 51.6°, the BAS will be accessible from international spaceports including those of the United States, Russia, Japan, and the European Space Agency (ESA). As of February 2024, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath reported that the Indian Space Station's design is nearing completion. Key components, such as electronics, will be manufactured at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, while the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) will contribute to hardware development. Anticipated to commence robotic operations upon its initial module's deployment, human habitation on the BAS is slated to begin in 2035, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration capabilities.

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