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Source- This post on Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is based on the article “Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS): Our own Space Station for Scientific research to be established with the launch of its first module in 2028” published in PIB on 19th September 2024.
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved an expansion of India’s Gaganyaan Programme to include the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), marking a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight initiatives.
About revised Gaganyaan Programme
1. The Gaganyaan Programme was approved in 2018. It aimed to send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and establish the foundation for long-term human space exploration.
2. The Gaganyaan Programme has been updated to incorporate the development of precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and to include an additional uncrewed mission, along with enhanced hardware requirements.
3. The revised Gaganyaan Programme will involve eight missions, including four under the ongoing programme and four new missions to develop and validate technologies for BAS.
4. The first uncrewed mission is planned to take place before the end of 2028.
5. These missions will equip India with essential technological capabilities for long-duration human space missions in LEO, ultimately contributing to the nation’s broader space ambitions.
About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
1. About: BAS will be India’s first own space station and it will be established in 2028. BAS is envisaged as a national space-based facility that will support advanced microgravity research and technology development.
2. Vision: The station’s creation is part of India’s broader vision for space during the Amrit Kaal, which includes launching an operational space station by 2035 and pursuing a crewed lunar mission by 2040.
3. Significance: This effort led by ISRO with collaboration from industry, academia, and other national agencies will advance India’s space capabilities and foster innovation, industrial participation, and economic growth, particularly in high-tech sectors.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
