Context

• Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) by extending the scope of the Gaganyaan program. This marks a significant milestone in India’s space ambitions, particularly in the realm of human space exploration.

About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1)

• The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) is India’s ambitious project aimed at building and operating a space station to advance the country’s capabilities in human space missions and microgravity-based scientific research. BAS-1 represents India’s long-term vision to establish an operational space station by 2035, reinforcing the nation’s role in global space exploration.

Key Highlights of BAS-1 Initiative

• Approval and Scope Expansion:
  • The approval includes the development of the first module of BAS-1, expanding the scope of the Gaganyaan Programme to include the construction and validation of technologies required for BAS-1.
  • The revised Gaganyaan Programme now encompasses additional missions, including one more uncrewed mission and other hardware requirements.
• Timeline and Mission Goals:
  • The Gaganyaan Programme, initially approved in 2018, aims to launch human spaceflights to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and lay the foundation for future Indian human space exploration missions.
  • BAS-1’s first module is targeted for completion by December 2028, with an operational station expected by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission planned for 2040.
• Gaganyaan Programme Missions:
  • Eight missions are planned under the extended Gaganyaan Programme, including four ongoing missions by 2026 and four missions specifically aimed at demonstrating and validating BAS-1 technologies by December 2028.

Technological and Economic Benefits:

• • BAS-1 will enable India to develop critical technologies for long-duration human space missions, enhancing national capabilities in space exploration.
  • The station will support microgravity-based scientific research, fostering technological innovations, and spurring high-tech employment in the space sector.
  • The program aims to encourage industrial participation and drive economic growth, particularly in niche areas of space technology.

Enhanced Funding:

• • The total funding for the revised Gaganyaan Programme, including BAS-1 development, has been increased to ₹20,193 crore, with an additional allocation of ₹11,170 crore over the original budget.
• Youth and Research Opportunities:
• • The initiative opens up unique opportunities for the youth to engage in science and technology careers, particularly in microgravity research and space-based technology development. The program’s innovations will also contribute significantly to societal advancements.

Major Government Initiatives in Space Exploration