India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is being designed with advanced robotic capabilities, including internal and external robotic arms, to support astronauts during orbital operations, maintenance and future expansion. New technical details presented by ISRO on October 29 have offered a closer look at the systems planned for the country’s first space station.
K Kalpana, BAS Project Director at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), outlined the plans during the Space Science and Technologies session at ESTIC 2026 in New Delhi. The presentation also identified free-flying systems and humanoid robots among the station’s planned robotic features. However, the exact configuration and operational roles of the robotic arms have not yet been specified.
Five Modules and a 54-Tonne Space Station
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is planned as a five-module orbital facility operating approximately 450 kilometres above Earth, with an orbital inclination of 51.5 degrees. Its estimated mass will be around 54 tonnes, while its dimensions are projected at 27 metres by 20 metres.
The station is expected to accommodate three to four astronauts for continuous stays, with capacity for approximately three additional crew members during shorter missions. It will have an estimated habitable volume of 100 cubic metres and power-generation capacity of 60 kilowatts.
The five modules will have distinct functions. BAS-01 will serve as the Base Module, supporting technology demonstrations, servicing and crew habitation. BAS-02 will act as the Core Module, with docking infrastructure and exercise facilities.
BAS-03, the Science Module, will support spacewalks and scientific payloads, while BAS-04 will function as a laboratory with a cupola for Earth observation. BAS-05 will serve as the Berthing Module, enabling cargo docking and future station expansion.
Robotic Systems to Support Maintenance and Research
The planned internal and external robotic arms are expected to strengthen the station’s operational capabilities. Alongside these systems, the station will incorporate docking provisions across its modules, regenerative environmental control and life-support systems, and protection against radiation, extreme temperatures and orbital debris.
The orbital facility will also provide a platform for microgravity research in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, materials science and advanced manufacturing.
India Targets First Module by 2028
India aims to launch its first station module, BAS-01, by 2028 and make the complete five-module station operational by 2035. The first module has received an approved development and launch budget of Rs 1,763 crore for the 2025–2028 period.
The project represents an important step in India’s transition from demonstrating human spaceflight through Gaganyaan towards establishing a sustained human presence in low Earth orbit.
Relevant Link: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
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