1st module of Indian space station to launch in 2028; Proto hardware development in progress
Bharatiya Antariksh Station, planned as India’s first indigenous space station comprising five modules and targeted for establishment by 2035, will see the development and launch of its first module, BAS-01, by 2028, the government said on Thursday.
Baseline design review and system engineering for BAS-01 have been completed, 31 baseline design documents released, subsystem design work has commenced and development of proto hardware for human space programme is in progress, Union MoS Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said in the Rajya Sabha.
As part of Gaganyaan programme, new developments in the area of Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), Orbital Module, Crew Escape System, ground infrastructure establishments, establishment of flight operations and communication network, Crew recovery operations have been carried out.
Precursor missions TV-D1, IADT-01 and 02 have been accomplished and activities are in advance stages for 1st Uncrewed mission, G1, the minister noted.
Docking systems have been worked out including electrical and mechanical interfaces. The concept demo model of Refuelling mechanism has been successfully demonstrated.
Other critical technologies for human spaceflight requirements include flight suit, view port and crew seat. For Gaganyaan missions these have been currently sourced from external parties.
Major critical technologies for the human space programme have been identified including flight suit, view port, crew seat and docking technology. Government has approved the indigenous development of these critical technologies.
"These initiatives will establish the technological foundation for indigenous design and development of the remaining four modules of BAS," the minister said.
It will build self-reliance in critical human spaceflight technologies, thereby fostering innovation and high-technology manufacturing required for human space flight, he added.
