ISRO on Friday unveiled a model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) module during the two-day National Space Day celebrations.
India is preparing to launch the first BAS module by 2028, a milestone that will mark the nation’s entry into the select group of countries operating orbital laboratories. Currently, there are only two such stations in orbit—the International Space Station (ISS), operated by five space agencies, and China’s Tiangong station.
As part of its long-term vision, India aims to deploy five BAS modules by 2035, strengthening its presence in space research and human spaceflight.
The inaugural BAS-01 module is designed to weigh 10 tonnes and will be placed in low Earth orbit at 450 km altitude.
Salient Features of BAS
- Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) – indigenously developed.
- Bharat Docking System & Bharat Berthing Mechanism for modular expansion.
- Automated hatch system for safety and crew convenience.
- Platform for microgravity research and advanced technology demonstrations.
- Viewports for scientific imaging and crew recreation.
- Refueling capability for propulsion and ECLSS fluids.
- Radiation, thermal, and MMOD protection for crew safety.
- Space suits and airlocks to support extra-vehicular activities (EVAs).
- Plug-and-play integrated avionics for flexibility in operations.
The BAS is envisioned as a multidisciplinary research platform, enabling studies in space science, life sciences, medicine, and interplanetary exploration. It will also provide vital insights into the effects of microgravity on human health, while testing key technologies required for sustained human presence in space.