ISRO Space Station / Know when will India have its own space station? ISRO made this special preparation

ISRO Space Station: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday unveiled a model of the first module of the Indian Space Station (BAS), BAS-01, during the two-day National Space Day celebrations held in Delhi. The move symbolises India's growing strides and ambitious plans in the space sector. ISRO plans to launch the BAS-01 module by 2028, which will put India in the league of select countries that operate orbital laboratories.

India's flight in the global space community

Currently, there are only two orbital laboratories active in the world: the International Space Station (ISS) operated by five space agencies and China's Tiangong Space Station. With the launch of BAS, India will join this exclusive group. This achievement will not only showcase India's technological capability but will also further strengthen India's position in international space research.

Structure and planning of BAS

ISRO plans to establish five modules of the Indian Space Station by 2035. The BAS-01 module, weighing around 10 tonnes, will be placed in Low Earth Orbit at 450 kilometres above the Earth. The module will incorporate several advanced and indigenous technologies, including:

• Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS): To ensure a suitable environment for the astronauts.
• India Docking System and Berthing Mechanism: To connect and operate the module.
• Automatic Hatch System: Safe and automated entry-exit.
• Viewport: For scientific imaging and crew entertainment.
• Microgravity Research Platform: For scientific experiments in space.

Additionally, the BAS will also have features such as propulsion system, radiation protection, thermal control, and micrometeoroid orbital debris (MMOD) protection. The station will serve as a research platform for the study of space suits, life sciences, medicine, and interplanetary exploration.

Space tourism and commercial opportunities

BAS will not only promote scientific research but also encourage space tourism. It will establish India as an important player in the commercial space sector. The station will provide an opportunity to study the effects of microgravity on human health and test technologies required for long-term space missions.

Centre for international collaboration and inspiration

BAS will promote international collaboration and act as a hub for scientific research. It will inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in space science and technology. The 3.8 m x 8 m BAS-01 model displayed at the National Space Day celebrations was a centre of attraction for the attendees at Bharat Mandapam. The model is a living example of ISRO's technological advancements and future plans.