Background
India’s space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), unveiled a concept model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) on 22 August 2025, during National Space Day celebrations. This marks a major leap in India’s human spaceflight and orbital infrastructure capabilities, following the ongoing Gaganyaan Mission.

Key Features of BAS

1. Weight and Orbit: Around 10 tonnes, designed to operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) at ~450 km altitude.

2. Structure: Modular design, meaning additional segments can be added over time.

3. Purpose:

   • Support long-duration human presence in space.

   • Facilitate scientific research and experiments in microgravity (biology, material science, space medicine).

   • Enable satellite servicing and assembly.

   • Strengthen India’s space diplomacy and strategic autonomy.

4. Timeline: Planned post-Gaganyaan, with gradual module launches likely after 2030.

5. Significance:

   • India will join a select group of nations (US, Russia, China) with indigenous space stations.

   • Reduces reliance on international space platforms like the ISS.

   • Aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in frontier technologies.

UPSC Relevance

• Prelims: Facts about BAS, weight, orbit, year of announcement.

• Mains (GS-3): Discuss India’s space strategy, technology advancements, and significance for science and strategic affairs.

• Essay/Interview: Can be linked to themes like “India’s Technological Rise” or “Space as a Strategic Frontier.”