India is moving closer to establishing a permanent presence in space, with ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan announcing that the country aims to set up its own space station by 2035.
Speaking at the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad on August 23, Narayanan said the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) is a major part of India’s long-term human spaceflight programme. The first module of the station has already been approved.
The planned space station is part of India’s broader Space Vision 2047, which includes establishing the first module of BAS by 2028, completing the station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Gaganyaan to Pave the Way
The development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station is closely linked to the Gaganyaan programme, India’s first human spaceflight mission. The programme is designed to develop critical technologies required to safely send astronauts into space and bring them back to Earth.
ISRO has also been working to expand India’s capabilities in human-rated launch systems, life-support technologies and other systems that will be essential for longer-duration missions.
A New Phase for India’s Space Programme
Narayanan highlighted India’s growing capabilities in space technology, noting that space-based applications are now being used across more than 50 areas that directly benefit citizens. He said India’s space programme is increasingly focused on innovation, collaboration and global leadership.
The announcement comes as India continues to expand its ambitions beyond individual satellite and planetary missions. Earlier this month, Narayanan said India was also planning to launch at least 300 satellites over the next five to six years.
Towards a Permanent Human Presence in Space
The Bharatiya Antariksha Station is expected to serve as an important platform for scientific research, technology development and human spaceflight activities. Its development would mark a significant transition for India’s space programme—from short-duration missions towards sustained human activity in low Earth orbit.
With Gaganyaan, the space station programme, Chandrayaan-4 and future lunar ambitions forming part of the country’s long-term roadmap, India is positioning itself for a larger role in human space exploration.
If the roadmap remains on schedule, 2035 could mark a historic milestone when India establishes its own space station, strengthening the country’s position among the world’s leading spacefaring nations.
