Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1): Testbed for Spaceflights

On 8th October 2024, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced it is preparing to launch its first space station module, BAS-1, by 2028, aiming to establish the full station by 2035.

This module will play a key role in developing technologies for India’s long-duration space missions, including a potential moon landing by 2040.

Key Points

BAS-1 as a Testbed for Advanced Space Technologies: The BAS-1 base module will help validate technologies critical to long-duration spaceflights, such as robotic support, on-orbit refueling, and micrometeoroid protection, supporting India's human spaceflight goals.
Link to the Gaganyaan Mission: The experiences and technologies validated through ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission will provide crucial insights for BAS-1 and future missions, including India’s proposed human landing on the moon by 2040.
Precursor Missions Planned for BAS-1; ISRO has four precursor missions planned before BAS-1’s operational phase. These include a crewed mission, space docking trials, and uncrewed docking to test autonomous docking between Gaganyaan and BAS-1.
BAS-1’s Role in Space Exploration and Research: The station will support microgravity research, function as a hub for space exploration, and potentially aid space tourism. It will also serve as a fuel depot for interplanetary missions.
Training and Human-Rating Protocols: ISRO’s Gaganyaan astronauts have completed their generic spaceflight training and are now focused on mission-specific preparation. The human-rating protocols require specialized expertise to ensure safety and efficiency in space missions.