India to Launch First Module of Indigenous Space Station in 2028: ISRO Chief

Bengaluru – India will launch the first module of its maiden space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), in 2028, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced on Saturday. The 10-tonne module will mark the foundation of the country’s first space station, which will eventually weigh 52 tonnes and be fully operational in low Earth orbit (LEO) by 2035.

Speaking at the inauguration of the second National Space Day in New Delhi, Narayanan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the BAS mission, along with the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)—a heavy-lift rocket system designed to carry significantly larger payloads than ISRO’s current launchers.

The first module of BAS, positioned at an altitude of 450 km in LEO, will incorporate several indigenously developed technologies including docking and hatch systems, as well as environmental control and life support systems. It has been specifically designed for microgravity operations and extravehicular activity (EVA) support.

As part of the broader roadmap for India’s space programme, ISRO aims to establish a permanent habitat in orbit for Indian astronauts to conduct scientific research. A dedicated astronaut pool is also under development to support long-term missions.

Narayanan also highlighted ISRO’s evolving capabilities in space launch technology. Citing progress from the early days of SLV-3—which could carry just 35 kg to LEO—he noted that India is now working toward rockets capable of lifting 80 tonnes to orbit, powered by a 2,600-tonne launch vehicle using advanced LOX-methane engines.

“From 17-tonne launchers to a 40-storey-high rocket with next-gen propulsion—this is the scale of our progress,” he said. He also noted a breakthrough in the semi-cryogenic propulsion system, with seven successful tests already completed following the project’s approval in 2023.

Narayanan further added that a national space meet held on Friday after a decade-long gap has outlined strategic goals across satellite communication, navigation, and Earth observation. A long-term roadmap for the Indian space sector has now been charted out through 2047.