Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shared key details about the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s upcoming space station, during a technical seminar at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The station will initially accommodate three astronauts, with plans to expand capacity to six in the future.
The BAS is envisioned as a platform for scientific research, focusing on areas such as life sciences, space medicine, and interplanetary exploration. It will enable studies on the effects of microgravity on human health and the testing of technologies essential for long-term human presence in space.
Alongside its research goals, the BAS is expected to support India’s entry into the commercial space sector. The station will open avenues for space tourism, offering a new dimension to India’s space economy while promoting its technological prowess globally.
ISRO’s development of BAS aligns with global efforts to create sustainable space habitats for extended missions. The project will contribute to international collaborations and position India as a key player in global space exploration efforts.
The BAS project is intended to inspire younger generations in India to pursue careers in space science and technology. By showcasing India’s advancements in space infrastructure, ISRO aims to foster interest and innovation in the sector.
Two Indian astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup), have completed the first phase of their training for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Their preparation began in August 2024 and includes collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.
The astronauts, referred to as Gaganyatris, underwent orientation for the Axiom-4 mission, SpaceX suit fittings, and familiarisation with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Their ongoing training will cover scientific experiments in microgravity and mission-specific scenarios aboard the spacecraft.
Through initiatives like the BAS and astronaut training programs, ISRO continues to expand India’s role in the global space community. These developments underscore India’s commitment to advancing scientific research, fostering international collaboration, and contributing to the future of human space exploration.