India plans to establish its own space station, named “Bharatiya Antriksh Station” (BAS), by 2035, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday. The minister shared the update during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), marking a new phase of innovation at the intersection of space and biotechnology.
The MoU outlines initiatives, including the creation of BAS and the launch of the ‘BioE3’ policy, which focuses on integrating biotechnology for economic, environmental, and employment gains. This partnership will foster advancements in microgravity research, space biotechnology, space biomanufacturing, bioastronautics, and space biology, aiming to drive scientific progress in India’s space sector.
Expanding Space Startups and Human Health Research
Dr. Singh praised ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gokhale for facilitating the agreement, which aligns with the government’s focus on public-private partnerships. According to the minister, nearly 300 space startups now contribute to India’s expanding space economy.
The collaboration is expected to boost the national human space program and promote research in human health, pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and eco-friendly waste management technologies.
Timeline for India’s Space Station and Lunar Mission
Dr. Singh noted that in September, the Union Cabinet approved India’s fourth lunar mission and the development of BAS-1, the initial module of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, expected by 2028. The government aims for India to establish its space station by 2035 and achieve a lunar landing by 2040. This project represents a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.
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