Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that India will have its own space station named ‘Bharatiya Anthariksh Station’ (BAS) and its first module will be established in 2028. Taking to X, PM Modi termed the development ‘great news’ for the space sector. The Union Cabinet today approved the first step towards the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. “Great news for the space sector! The Union Cabinet has approved the first step towards the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expanding the Gaganyaan programme! This landmark decision brings us closer to a self-sustained space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040,” said PM Modi.

The Union Cabinet said in a statement, “Approval by the cabinet is given for development of first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and undertake missions to demonstrate and validate various technologies for building and operating BAS. To revise the scope & funding of the Gaganyaan Programme to include new developments for BAS & precursor missions, and additional requirements to meet the ongoing Gaganyaan Programme.”

The Gaganyaan Programme has been revised to include the development of precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and accommodate one additional uncrewed mission, along with extra hardware requirements. As part of the expanded scope, India’s human spaceflight program will now feature eight missions, all scheduled for completion by December 2028, with the launch of the first unit of BAS-1, said the government.

Originally approved in December 2018, the Gaganyaan Programme aims to undertake human spaceflights to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and establish the technological foundation for India’s long-term human space exploration goals. As part of the nation’s vision for space during the “Amrit Kaal” period, the programme now includes the creation of an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and plans for an Indian Crewed Lunar Mission by 2040. These ambitions align with global efforts by leading spacefaring nations to develop capabilities for extended human space missions and exploration beyond the Moon.

Led by ISRO, the Gaganyaan Programme will be a collaborative national effort involving industry, academia, and other national agencies. The programme will be managed through ISRO’s established project management framework, focusing on developing and demonstrating critical technologies required for long-duration human space missions. By 2026, ISRO plans to carry out four missions under the ongoing Gaganyaan Programme, followed by the development of the first module of BAS. An additional four missions are slated for the demonstration and validation of various BAS technologies by December 2028.

Through the Gaganyaan Programme, India aims to acquire essential technological capabilities for human space missions to LEO. The establishment of a national space-based facility, such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, will foster microgravity-based scientific research and technology development. This will lead to technological advancements and innovations, particularly in niche, high-tech sectors, while enhancing industrial participation and economic activity. The programme is expected to generate employment, especially in space and allied sectors.

With an additional Rs 11,170 crore in funding, the total budget for the revised Gaganyaan Programme has now increased to Rs 20,193 crore.

The Gaganyaan Programme presents a unique opportunity for the youth of the country to pursue careers in science, technology, and space research. The advancements and technological spin-offs resulting from the programme will have far-reaching societal benefits, further contributing to India’s growing role in space exploration and innovation.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has left the International Space Station (ISS) and is on its way back to Earth. However, its scheduled return doesn’t involve the two astronauts who initially traveled to the ISS in the capsule — Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore — due to ongoing technical issues. The capsule is expected to land in the New Mexico desert after a six-hour flight, marking another chapter in the troubled history of Boeing’s astronaut transport system.

Starliner’s Uncrewed Return

On Friday, the Boeing Starliner undocked from the ISS, pushed away by springs, and began its return to Earth. The capsule was supposed to carry Williams and Wilmore back after their mission, but technical malfunctions, including thruster failures and helium leaks, led NASA to deem the return flight too risky for human transport. As a result, Starliner is making its journey back with no astronauts aboard, leaving empty seats and unused blue spacesuits behind.

Williams, speaking to Boeing’s Mission Control, bid farewell to the spacecraft with the words, “Bring her back to Earth. Good luck,” as Starliner began its descent.

Technical Problems Prevented Crew Return

Williams and Wilmore originally planned to return to Earth in June, following a scheduled eight-day mission that would have seen Starliner carry them safely back. However, shortly after the June 5 launch, the mission was marred by several issues. Small helium leaks were discovered before launch but were deemed manageable. Yet, during the mission, five thrusters failed, sparking concerns that more malfunctions could jeopardize a safe reentry.

Although Boeing conducted numerous tests, both in space and on the ground, throughout the summer to address the thruster problems, NASA ultimately decided it was too dangerous to bring the astronauts back in the Starliner.

SpaceX to Bring Astronauts Home in 2025

With Boeing’s capsule out of commission, NASA has tasked SpaceX with returning Williams and Wilmore to Earth. The duo, now full-time members of the ISS crew, are expected to return via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule in late February 2025. This means their original eight-day mission has now extended to more than eight months in space.

SpaceX’s upcoming flight will mark its tenth crewed mission for NASA since 2020. The Dragon capsule will launch two astronauts for a half-year expedition, with two additional seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams for their return journey.