Which of the following statements about India's proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station is most accurate considering ISRO's current plans and global space collaboration dynamics?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is It is being designed as a modular low Earth orbit station to support microgravity research and long-term human presence, with a proposed launch window post-2035.
Explanation:
☛ The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is India's planned space station, conceptualized to be placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 400 to 450 km.
☛ Its primary objectives include conducting advanced microgravity research, biological experiments, technology demonstrations, and enabling long-term human presence in space.
☛ According to the roadmap laid down by the Government of India and ISRO, the first module (BAS-1) is targeted for launch by 2028, with the complete station expected to become operational around or post 2035.
☛ The station will be modular in design, constructed using multiple modules launched incrementally, rather than being a single-piece station.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Launch Vehicle: The heavy modules of BAS will be launched using India's heavy-lift rockets, including LVM3 and the proposed NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle), as the PSLV does not possess sufficient payload capacity.
☛ Gaganyaan Link: The Gaganyaan programme serves as the foundation for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by mastering human spaceflight technologies.
☛ Moon Mission Roadmap: Alongside BAS by 2035, India has set a national target of landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
☛ Orbit Classification: BAS will operate in LEO, not in geostationary orbit (GEO), because human space stations require proximity to Earth to minimize radiation exposure and launch energy.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who is developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station? → Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
☛ In which orbit will the Bharatiya Antariksh Station operate? → Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
☛ What is India's target year for landing an astronaut on the Moon? → 2040
☛ Which Indian human spaceflight mission precedes the construction of BAS? → Gaganyaan
☛ What is the proposed launch vehicle being developed by ISRO for future heavy payloads and space station modules? → Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)