Mohammad Hanief
India has set an ambitious course for its future in space with the announcement that it will establish its own space station by 2035. The proposed BharatiyaAntariksh Station (BAS) marks a decisive step in the country's long journey from modest satellite launches to becoming a recognised global space power. It reflects both confidence in the capabilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the broader vision of a nation determined to expand its presence beyond Earth.
The story of India's space programme is one of gradual but consistent progress. Beginning with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, ISRO has built its reputation on cost-effective innovation and technical reliability. Over the decades, India has moved from experimental satellites to ambitious planetary missions. The Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, placed India in an elite group of nations capable of interplanetary exploration, while the Chandrayaan-3 landing on the lunar south pole in 2023 was a watershed moment, earning India international acclaim. More recently, ISRO successfully demonstrated satellite docking technology, a crucial precursor to the assembly and maintenance of an orbital station. These achievements, layered upon one another, have given India the confidence to aim for a permanent human presence in space.
The establishment of a space station holds significance far beyond symbolism. A permanent orbital platform offers vast opportunities for research in microgravity, with applications in medicine, biology, physics, and advanced materials. For a country with aspirations of becoming a knowledge-driven economy, such research is invaluable. Beyond science, the space station will also strengthen India's strategic autonomy. Today, only the International Space Station and China's Tiangong provide such platforms. By building its own, India will no longer depend on others for human spaceflight or orbital research. The decision also reflects a recognition of the growing space economy, projected to exceed one trillion dollars by 2040, where India seeks a meaningful stake.
The BharatiyaAntariksh Station is expected to take shape gradually. Designed as a modular platform, it will initially be launched in segments and later expanded to its full capacity by 2035. The first module is targeted for deployment by 2028. Once complete, the station will be able to host three to four astronauts at a time for extended periods. Importantly, it will build on the experience of the Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for the latter part of this decade, which will carry Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit for the first time. Gaganyaan will validate life-support systems, safety protocols, and recovery operations-critical elements that will later define the long-duration missions aboard BAS.
The road ahead, however, is not without formidable challenges. Designing systems that can sustain human life in orbit for months at a time will test India's technological limits. Developing modular architecture, reliable docking systems, and effective radiation shielding will require sustained innovation. Financially, the project demands long-term investment running into billions of dollars, even if India pursues a more economical model compared to the International Space Station. Beyond technology and funding, the challenge of human resource development is equally pressing. Astronaut training facilities, mission simulation centres, and a larger pool of space scientists and engineers must be developed in tandem with the hardware.
There is also the wider international context. By the 2030s, China's Tiangong station is expected to be fully operational and possibly expanded, while the United States and private players are working on commercial stations. India's success with BAS will depend not only on its ability to execute the project but also on how effectively it positions itself within this competitive environment. Sustaining public and political support will also be crucial, particularly as questions may arise about spending priorities in a developing country. Communicating the practical benefits of the station-ranging from scientific breakthroughs to technological spin-offs-will help secure that support.
India's growing private space sector could play a vital role in the success of the project. Startups working on launch vehicles, satellites, and space technologies are already contributing to the ecosystem. Their involvement in BAS could bring efficiency, innovation, and cost reductions, much like the role private companies have played in revitalising the American space programme. While the station is planned as an indigenous project, selective international cooperation remains a possibility, particularly in areas like scientific experiments and advanced technologies.
The vision for a space station is not an isolated one. India has also outlined its ambition to attempt a human mission to the Moon by 2040. The experience gained through BAS will serve as a crucial stepping stone, preparing astronauts for long-duration missions and building confidence for journeys beyond Earth's orbit. Just as the International Space Station served as a laboratory for future lunar and Martian missions, the BharatiyaAntariksh Station will lay the groundwork for India's deeper space ambitions.
In many ways, the space station is more than just an engineering project. It is a symbol of how far India has come and where it intends to go. From launching rockets in makeshift facilities to planning a permanent home in orbit, the journey illustrates the country's growing confidence and determination. If realised, BAS will inspire future generations, nurture scientific talent, and stand as a testament to India's ability to dream big and translate vision into reality.
(The author is a senior analyst based in Kashmir)