India aims to establish its own permanent space station called ‘Bharatiya Space Station’ over the next 25 years

India is working towards the establishment of its own permanent space station, named the ‘Bharatiya Space Station,‘ within the next 25 years. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set a target to launch the initial module of this station by 2028.

The details were disclosed by S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), during his address at the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan. The event was organized by Vijnana Bharati, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting science, and took place in Ahmedabad.

First module by 2028

According to Chairman of ISRO S. Somnath – the goal is to launch the first module by 2028. Within the subsequent seven years, by 2035, the plan is to construct additional modules and achieve full operational status for the space station.

The reason for this is that, for the scheduled launch in 2028 of the first module, we currently lack a sufficiently powerful rocket. We possess a rocket known as LVM-3, which has a payload capacity of only 10 tonnes.

• Consequently, the initial module will be an eight-tonne mass module, and our plan is to launch it by 2028.

Future modules will be bigger, 20 to 25 tonnes.

Sending Human beings to Space Stations by 2035

The launch scheduled for 2028 will involve a robotic module, essentially a satellite. This module will serve the purpose of docking, conducting experiments, and returning.

• The prospect of sending human beings to the space station is anticipated to materialize only after 2035.

ISRO’s vision for the “Bharatiya Space Station”

ISRO’s vision for the space station includes a fully operational facility with increased launch capacity, provisions for crew and cargo transport, research laboratories in zero gravity, and more.

• To support this endeavor, ISRO is in the process of developing more powerful rockets capable of lifting payloads ranging from 20 to 25 tons to Low Earth orbit.

Strategy

• The strategy involves launching modular segments separately and assembling them in space to construct the space station gradually.
• Additionally, these heavy lift vehicles are designed to support potential interplanetary missions in the future.

Collaboration with Private entities

Recognizing the importance of collaboration and innovation, ISRO has opened up the space sector to private entities.

• This move is expected to stimulate research and development, with private players contributing to improved launch services, satellite manufacturing, and applications that benefit the general public.

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