Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that India will have its own space station called ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS) and its first module will be established by 2028. Commenting on X, PM Modi termed the development as ‘great news’ for the space sector. The Union Cabinet today approved the first step towards Bharatiya Antariksh Station. “Great news for the space sector! The Union Cabinet has approved the first step towards Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expanding the Gaganyaan programme! This historic decision brings us closer to a self-sustaining space station by 2035 and a manned lunar mission by 2040,” PM Modi said.
The Union Cabinet said in a statement, “The Cabinet has given approval for the development of the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and for undertaking demonstration and validation missions of various technologies for construction and operation of the BAS. The scope and funding of the Gaganyaan Programme will be reviewed to include new developments for the BAS and precursor missions, and additional requirements to meet the ongoing Gaganyaan Programme.”
The Gaganyaan programme has been revised to include development of precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and accommodate an additional uncrewed mission, along with additional hardware requirements. As part of the expanded scope, India’s human spaceflight programme will now have eight missions, all scheduled to be completed by December 2028, with the launch of the first unit of BAS-1, the government said.
The Gaganyaan Programme, originally approved in December 2018, aims to undertake human spaceflight to low Earth orbit (LEO) and lay the technological foundation for India’s long-term manned space exploration goals. As part of the nation’s vision for space during the “Amrit Kaal” period, the programme now includes the creation of an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and plans for an Indian manned lunar mission by 2040. These ambitions align with global efforts by leading spacefaring nations to develop capabilities for extended manned space missions and exploration beyond the Moon.
The ISRO-led Gaganyaan Programme will be a collaborative national effort involving industry, academia and other national agencies. The programme will be managed through the project management framework established by ISRO, focusing on the development and demonstration of critical technologies required for long-duration human space missions. By 2026, ISRO plans to undertake four missions under the current Gaganyaan Programme, followed by the development of the first BAS module. Four more missions for demonstration and validation of various BAS technologies are scheduled by December 2028.
Through the Gaganyaan Programme, India aims to acquire technological capabilities essential for manned space missions in low Earth orbit. The establishment of a national space facility, such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, will foster microgravity-based scientific research and technological development. This will lead to technological advancements and innovations, particularly in specialised high-tech sectors, while enhancing industrial participation and economic activity. The programme is expected to generate employment, especially in the space sector and allied sectors.
With an additional funding of Rs 11,170 crore, the total budget for the revised Gaganyaan Programme has now increased to Rs 20,193 crore.
The Gaganyaan Programme represents a unique opportunity for the country’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology and space research. The technological advancements and advantages arising from the programme will have wide-ranging societal benefits and will further contribute to India’s growing role in space exploration and innovation.
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