In a significant move for the nation's space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has formally initiated the process to build the country's first indigenous space station. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has invited Indian industry to develop the inaugural module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
Call to Indian Industry: Building BAS-01
On January 8, the Department of Space issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking qualified Indian aerospace manufacturers. The selected industry partner will be tasked with building two sets of the BAS-01 structure, which is planned to be the first operational element of India's future space station in low Earth orbit.
The EoI outlines strict eligibility criteria for bidders. Companies must be Indian entities with a minimum of five years of experience in aerospace manufacturing. They must also demonstrate a robust financial standing, with an average annual turnover of at least Rs 50 crore over the last three financial years. Possession of relevant quality certifications and a clean record, free from any blacklisting, are mandatory.
Milestones, Funding, and Advanced Technologies
ISRO has described the Bharatiya Antariksh Station as the next major milestone following the Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions, aimed at ensuring a sustained human presence in space. The development timeline is ambitious, with the BAS-01 module scheduled for deployment by 2028. This launch is the critical first step towards a larger goal: assembling a full station comprising five modules by 2035.
Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, confirmed that the government has allocated Rs 720 crore for the development of this first module. Procurement activities for long-lead items have already commenced, signaling the project's active phase.
This mission is designed to be a technology demonstrator for several advanced capabilities crucial for sustained space operations. Key focus areas include:
- Autonomous rendezvous and docking
- Advanced robotics and in-orbit refuelling
- Dedicated crew quarters and intra-vehicular activity suits
- Modular racks for conducting microgravity experiments
Design and Responsibilities
While initial plans accessed in 2019 envisioned the BAS as a 20-tonne modular station capable of hosting three astronauts, ISRO has stated that the final design is yet to be finalized. The selected industry partner will shoulder comprehensive responsibility for the BAS-01 structure. This includes its complete development and realisation, covering fabrication, welding, assembly, inspection, and proof pressure testing.
This strategic move to involve the domestic aerospace industry marks a pivotal shift, fostering self-reliance and building a robust industrial ecosystem for India's future space exploration endeavours. The journey towards a permanent Indian address in space has officially begun.
