Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station)

About Bharatiya Antariksh Station 

• BAS is India's planned space station for scientific research which will orbit around 400-450km above the Earth's surface 
• It will have five modules and will be built in phases. 
• The first module (the Base Module) will be launch in 2028 and BAS will be operationalized by 2035. 
• BAS is currently in conceptualization phase, under which overall architecture, number and types of modules, docking ports etc. are being studied.

Significance of BAS 

Earth observation

• The space station can provide better spatial resolution and variable lighting conditions. It can help in tackling natural disasters.

Space flight and human habitation

• The BAS will serve as a test site to study how to keep astronauts safe and healthy on long-duration missions. It will also support India's other long-term space goals

International Prestige 

• By building a space station, India joins a select group of countries, elevating its global standing and potentially fostering international collaborations.

Research Platform

• It will enable Indian astronauts and scientists to conduct experiments in microgravity, astronomy, and Earth observation.

Technology Development 

• It will serve as a platform for testing and validating new technologies essential for its construction and operation.

Gateway to Interplanetary Missions 

• It will facilitate future interplanetary missions and provide an international platform for collaborative space research.

Economic Impact

• To create job opportunities in high-tech sectors related to space and technology.

Inspiration for Youth

• To inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology, particularly in microgravity research.

Challenges regarding Indian space station: 

Low R&D budget

• India's expenditure on research and development (R&D) as a percentage of GDP is only 0.7%. 

Space Debris

• The increase in space debris poses serious challenges to space operations and requires technological sophistication to avoid collisions.

Developing new technology

• India currently does not have the skills needed to build a space station, including life support systems, radiation protection, structural integrity and orbital maintenance.

Danger to astronauts' health 

• Without proper safety equipment and precautions, the space environment can be deadly. The biggest danger is this
  • Lack of oxygen and pressure in a closed environment;
  • enlargement of the cerebral ventricles (the spaces in the middle of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid that cushions and protects the brain in case of sudden force or shock);
  • altered gravitational fields;
  • radiation and the psychological effects of isolation and confinement.

Way Ahead  

Ensuring adequate financing

• India needs to seek international cooperation and private sector participation to ensure adequate financing.

International Cooperation

• Collaboration with nations possessing space station (US, Russia) experience can provide valuable insights and reduce costs.

Capacity Development

• ISRO's technical infrastructure requires upgradation for components such as life support systems, radiation protection, structural integrity and orbital maintenance etc.