ISRO Own Space Station Begins Taking Shape with First Module Set for 2028

ISRO Own Space Station project moves forward as India plans to launch the first indigenous space station module by 2028, boosting its space exploration role.

shivani Poli January 25, 2026

188 3 minutes read

ISRO Own Space Station: India Begins Work on Its First Indigenous Orbital Lab, First Module to Launch by 2028

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is steadily advancing plans for its own space station, a major milestone in India’s growing space ambitions. This project — officially named the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) — will mark India’s transition from participating in others’ orbital labs to owning and operating its own crewed orbital facility.

World space history has been dominated for decades by orbital stations like the United States-led International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong station. India’s decision to build its own reflects both technological confidence and a long-term vision for human space exploration and scientific research.

The BAS Project Timeline

The roadmap for the ISRO Own Space Station project sets clear milestones:

First Module Launch: The first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is scheduled for launch by 2028, marking the official start of India’s independent orbital lab presence.
Fully Operational Station: The full, five-module station is expected to be completed and functional by 2035.

The first module — also known as BAS-01 — will be placed in low Earth orbit at roughly 400–450 km altitude and act as the core platform to which additional modules will dock over time. This allows gradual assembly and testing of capabilities in orbit before the station becomes fully operational.

Why This Matters for India’s Space Ambitions

The ISRO Own Space Station project represents a major leap for India’s space capabilities. Until now, India’s human spaceflight ambitions were tied to missions like Gaganyaan, which focuses on sending Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit. BAS builds upon this foundation and deepens India’s ability to conduct long-duration research in microgravity environments.

Unlike the ISS — which is a multinational collaboration — BAS will be an indigenously developed orbital station primarily under Indian control. This means complete freedom in prioritizing scientific experiments, microgravity research, technology validation, and training Indian astronauts on long-term missions.

This capability could also open doors to future private and commercial participation in low Earth orbit activities, building a broader space ecosystem in India.

Scientific and Strategic Importance

A space station offers advantages beyond prestige. In an orbital laboratory, researchers can:

Conduct biological and medical research in microgravity conditions
Study materials science, fluid dynamics, and combustion in space
Test technologies destined for deeper space missions
Support long-duration crew flights necessary for Moon and Mars explorations

India’s station will initially support a smaller crew (estimated at 3 to 4 astronauts) compared to larger platforms, but it will be a key resource for long-duration missions and training.

Engineering and Technological Milestones

Developing the BAS isn’t just about launching modules into space — it also involves mastering complex technologies such as:

Life support systems suited for sustained human occupation
Docking and berthing mechanisms for modular assembly
Reliable long-duration power systems and environmental controls
Integration of scientific facilities for varied research

These technologies are not only vital for BAS but also strengthen India’s broader aerospace and space exploration ecosystem.

Global Context and Collaboration

Only a handful of nations have successfully built and operated space stations. With BAS, India will join an exclusive group that includes the United States, Russia, China, and the multi-nation ISS partnership.

Although BAS is primarily an Indian initiative, ISRO has indicated interest in collaboration with other space agencies. Future partnerships could include shared experiments or docking agreements that enhance scientific return and diplomatic ties.

Looking Ahead

The first launch of the BAS module in 2028 will be a historic moment for Indian space exploration. It will signal that India’s role in human spaceflight is not limited to participation — it’s leadership. As the modules come together by 2035 to form a fully operational space station, India will have unlocked a new frontier for scientific discovery and space innovation.

In the coming years, this project will not only expand ISRO’s capabilities but could also inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers across the country and around the world.

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