Which of the following accurately reflects the long-term strategic vision and technological challenges associated with India's proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and how it differs from existing international space stations?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is (B) Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will be modular, entirely domestically built, and operate in low Earth orbit for scientific research and long-duration crewed missions.
Explanation:
☛ The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is India's planned indigenous modular space station designed to be placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of about 400 to 450 km.
☛ Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), which is a collaborative project built by multiple nations (NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, CSA), the BAS will be entirely developed and operated domestically by ISRO.
☛ It will serve as a platform for microgravity research, advanced space technology demonstrations, and sustained human presence in space.
☛ The Indian government approved the first phase (BAS-1) in 2024, aiming to launch the initial module by 2028 and achieve full operational status by 2035.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Target Timeline: India plans to set up the complete Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
☛ Launch Vehicle: The initial modules of BAS will be launched using India's heavy-lift rocket, LVM3, while subsequent expansion may utilize the under-development Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
☛ Gaganyaan Mission: BAS is a direct strategic continuation of the Gaganyaan Programme, which aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability to LEO.
☛ Orbital Lab: The station will weigh around 52 tonnes in its final configuration, consisting of multiple specialized interconnected modules.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ By which year does ISRO aim to launch the first module (BAS-1) of the space station? → 2028
☛ What is the target year set by India for sending an astronaut to the Moon? → 2040
☛ Which Indian space mission is the foundation for human spaceflight leading to BAS? → Gaganyaan
☛ In which orbit is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station planned to operate? → Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
☛ Which rocket will initially be used to launch the BAS modules? → LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3)