India Plans 'Bharatiya Antriksh Station' by 2035 with First Module Set for 2028
India’s ambitions in space exploration are set to reach new heights, with the announcement of the country's own space station, the "Bharatiya Antriksh Station" (BAS), targeted for launch by 2035. The first module of this pioneering project is planned to be completed by 2028, according to Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. This ambitious vision, outlined at the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), aims to position India at the forefront of space research and technology, particularly in biotechnological advancements within the space environment.
This collaboration signifies an impressive convergence of biotechnology and space technology, with both institutions committing to initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s possible. This isn’t just about launching a space station; it’s about creating a foundation for research in microgravity and advancing space biology and biomanufacturing. The MoU’s focus on areas like space biotechnology, bioastronautics, and bio-based materials could have substantial impacts on fields such as human health, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable waste management, all of which are critical for long-term space missions. For instance, microgravity research can provide insights into human physiology and biological changes in space, paving the way for breakthroughs in medicine, regenerative therapies, and biomanufacturing processes that benefit life on Earth.
Dr. Singh also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in boosting India’s space sector, citing a dramatic rise in space startups, now numbering around 300. This growing ecosystem of innovation is anticipated to significantly contribute to the success of BAS, as private companies join hands with government bodies to develop cutting-edge technology for the station.
The unveiling of the BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) alongside the BAS initiative is another ambitious step, aimed at fostering job creation and ecological sustainability through space research. The policy reflects a commitment to nurturing biotechnology’s role in the space economy, potentially leading to jobs and technologies that could support both space missions and terrestrial industries. Given the high standards needed for sustainability in space, this policy will likely encourage the development of waste recycling technologies and biotechnologies suited for long-duration space missions.
ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, were lauded for their collaborative efforts, which promise to extend beyond the Bharatiya Antriksh Station. Together, they plan to foster a unique research environment to explore the effects of space travel on biological processes, which will serve the national human space program and potentially inspire new fields of scientific inquiry.
In addition to the BAS project, India’s recent strides in lunar exploration with its missions to the Moon, along with the Union Cabinet’s approval of future lunar goals, showcase the country’s space aspirations. With the aim of sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, the development of BAS is part of a larger, multi-decade roadmap that places India among the select few with advanced human spaceflight capabilities. The Cabinet’s recent nod for the first BAS module by 2028 is a significant milestone that brings the country one step closer to having an independent, long-term presence in space.
India’s progress toward the Bharatiya Antriksh Station encapsulates not only technological innovation but also a vision for a sustainable and inclusive space economy. It reflects a broader goal: to enhance life on Earth while achieving breakthroughs that could change the future of space exploration.
