The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday unveiled the model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in Delhi as part of National Space Day celebrations, marking a major milestone in India’s ambitious space roadmap.
ISRO announced that the first module of BAS is expected to launch by 2028, with the full-fledged orbital station becoming operational by 2035. The station will serve as a hub for indigenous research, including microgravity experiments and the development of technologies critical for long-duration human space missions.
Highlighting India’s growing aspirations, ISRO chief V. Narayanan said the country will not only set up its own space station but also aims to land on the Moon by 2040. He confirmed that India is preparing for Chandrayaan-4 and the Venus Orbiter Mission, while work on the Next Generation Launcher (NGL) has been approved by the government.
“By 2040, India will land on the Moon and return safely. This will place the Indian space program at par with any other in the world,” Narayanan said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the event virtually, recalled the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole. He praised ISRO’s achievements, noting that “achieving new milestones one after another has become the nature of India and its scientists.”
PM Modi also lauded the success of the Axiom-4 mission, where Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla hoisted the tricolour at the International Space Station. “In him, I saw the immense courage and infinite dreams of the youth of New India,” the Prime Minister said.