New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled a model of India’s space station – Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) – on the occasion of National Space Day in New Delhi on Friday.
The first module of the BAS, India’s indigenous space station, is likely to be launched by 2028. This will mark India’s entry into a select group of nations that operate orbital laboratories. There are two space stations at present. One of these is the International Space Station (ISS), visited by Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recently. This is jointly operated by five space agencies from across the world. The other one is the Tiangong Space Station of China.
All five modules of the BAS are expected to be in place by 2035, as part of India’s ambitious plans for the space sector. The BAS-01 module will weigh around 10 tonnes and be placed in a low earth orbit at 450 km above the earth. The ISS orbits the Earth at an altitude of 370 to 460 km.
Scientists said that the salient features of the BAS include, indigenously developed Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), Bharat Docking System, Bharat Berthing Mechanism, automated hatch system, platform for microgravity research and technology demonstration, viewports for scientific imaging and crew recreation.
The BAS will also have provision for refilling of propulsion and ECLSS fluids, radiation, thermal and Micro-Meteoroid Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection, space suits, airlocks to support extra vehicular activity and plug and play integrated avionics.
“The BAS is expected to serve as a research platform for studying various aspects of space, life sciences, medicine, and interplanetary exploration. It will provide an opportunity to study the effects of microgravity on human health and test essential technologies needed for long-term human presence in space. India plans to tap into the commercial space sector by leveraging the orbital lab’s resources. The BAS will contribute to ongoing international collaborations and serve as a hub for scientific research and also inspire younger generations to consider careers in space science and technology,” the scientist said.
Visitors to the event flocked to see the massive 3.8-metre x 8-metre BAS-01 model, with Grp Capt Shukla’s recent space odyssey still fresh in mind.
