1. What is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station?
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is India’s proposed space station, which the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to set up by 2035. It will serve as a platform for conducting space research and experiments in a microgravity environment.
2. Why is India building its own space station?
India is building its own space station to mark its presence among the global space-faring nations, enhance its capabilities in space technology and research, and provide a unique platform for conducting scientific experiments and technological demonstrations in space.
3. How will the Bharatiya Antariksh Station be assembled?
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will be assembled in a phased manner. ISRO is currently working on the overall configuration, including determining the number and types of modules needed for the station. This will be followed by the development and launch of these modules into space where they will be assembled to form the space station.
4. Has the government allocated funds for the BAS project?
As of now, the government has not allocated specific funds for the BAS project. The allocation of funds will be considered after the completion of feasibility studies and the submission of a detailed proposal for government approval.
5. What are the objectives of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station?
The objectives of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station include conducting scientific research and experiments in microgravity conditions, testing new technologies in space, studying space weather and its effects on Earth, and potentially serving as a base for future interplanetary missions.
6. Are there any plans for human missions to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station?
While specific plans for human missions to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station have not been detailed, the establishment of a manned space station implies that India will plan for astronaut missions to live and work in space for extended periods.
7. What makes the Bharatiya Antariksh Station project significant for India?
The BAS project is significant for India as it represents a major advancement in the country’s space capabilities, allowing India to conduct independent space research, enhance its technological prowess, and contribute significantly to international space science and exploration efforts.
8. How does the BAS project fit into ISRO’s broader space exploration goals?
The BAS project is part of ISRO’s broader space exploration goals, which include robotic and human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It serves as a critical step towards establishing a long-term human presence in space and conducting deep space exploration missions.
9. What challenges does ISRO face in implementing the BAS project?
ISRO faces several challenges in implementing the BAS project, including technological development, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the space station, securing sufficient funding, and coordinating with international space agencies for technology sharing and collaborative research opportunities.