1st module of Indian space station to launch in 2028; Proto hardware development in progress
New Delhi, July 30
Bharatiya Antariksh Station, planned as India's first indigenous space station comprising five modules and targeted for establishment by 2035, will see the development and launch of its first module, BAS‑01, by 2028, the government said on Thursday.
Baseline design review and system engineering for BAS‑01 have been completed, 31 baseline design documents released, subsystem design work has commenced and development of proto hardware for human space programme is in progress, Union MoS Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said in the Rajya Sabha.
As part of Gaganyaan programme, new developments in the area of Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), Orbital Module, Crew Escape System, ground infrastructure establishments, establishment of flight operations and communication network, Crew recovery operations have been carried out.
Precursor missions TV-D1, IADT-01 and 02 have been accomplished and activities are in advance stages for 1st Uncrewed mission, G1, the minister noted.
Docking systems have been worked out including electrical and mechanical interfaces. The concept demo model of Refuelling mechanism has been successfully demonstrated.
Other critical technologies for human spaceflight requirements include flight suit, view port and crew seat. For Gaganyaan missions these have been currently sourced from external parties.
Major critical technologies for the human space programme have been identified including flight suit, view port, crew seat and docking technology. Government has approved the indigenous development of these critical technologies.
"These initiatives will establish the technological foundation for indigenous design and development of the remaining four modules of BAS," the minister said.
It will build self-reliance in critical human spaceflight technologies, thereby fostering innovation and high-technology manufacturing required for human space flight, he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kudos to ISRO and the team! But I wonder about the budget - Rs 10,000 crore for Gaganyaan and now this. We still have so many rural areas without proper infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Not saying space exploration isn't important, but we need to balance priorities wisely. Jai Hind regardless! 🇮🇳
What about the timeline though? 2028 for first module launch seems ambitious given we haven't even done the uncrewed mission yet. The docking system and refueling mechanism demos are great, but I hope the proto hardware development moves faster. ISRO has never disappointed us, so I'm cautiously optimistic!
This is what real development looks like! From borrowing satellite launch services to building our own space station - the journey has been incredible. The fact that we're developing indigenous flight suits and crew seats shows our commitment to self-reliance. Bas 15-20 aur scientists ki zaroorat hai, hum logon ko space mein bhej denge! 😄
Great technical progress! The five-module design for BAS shows we're not just copying others but thinking long-term. I'm particularly interested in the docking technology - that's crucial for future interplanetary missions. Also happy to see Gaganyaan precursor missions are on track. This is the kind of news that makes me feel proud to be Indian. 🇮🇳🚀
Some people in the comments are worried about cost - but look at the bigger picture! Space research brings countless spin-off technologies that help ordinary people: better materials, improved communications
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