ISRO has once again showcased its forward-thinking approach to space exploration with the announcement of plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s own space station set to be launched by 2035.
The ISRO Chairman, Dr. S Somanath, revealed in a recent interview with CNN-News18 that the station will be operated by robots initially, before being handed over to astronauts for human space missions.
This cutting-edge strategy not only signifies India’s growing capability in space technology but also highlights ISRO’s innovative focus on robotics for managing complex space environments.
The Indian government has approved ISRO’s proposal to build and launch its own space station, marking another major milestone for the nation’s space program. With the design modules currently under review, this ambitious project will position India among the elite group of nations with their own operational space stations.
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According to Dr. Somanath, ISRO is determined to use robotic operations as the primary method for the early stages of the station’s management.
Robotic Approach to ISRO
The decision to start with robotic operations for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station stems from the growing reliance on automation in space exploration. Dr. Somanath explained that robots will handle most of the tasks during the initial phase of the station’s operations.
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“We are planning it’ll be more robotic in nature because most of the work is done by robots now,” he said. This approach will allow ISRO to run various experiments in the unique microgravity environment without the immediate need for human intervention.
As technology advances, It is keen on utilizing robotics to enhance efficiency and minimize risks associated with early-stage space operations.
This strategy of launching a robotic-led space station also gives ISRO the opportunity to gather valuable data and insights before sending astronauts on long-term missions. The transition from robotic to human-controlled operations will mark a significant milestone in India’s space journey.
Once the initial experiments are complete, ISRO will shift its focus towards regular manned missions, gradually paving the way for human exploration and habitation of space.
Challenges Ahead: Venus and Gaganyaan Missions
While the Bharatiya Antariksh Station project is Its focal point, the agency is also eyeing ambitious missions like the Venus orbiter. Set to launch by 2028, ISRO’s Venus mission aims to overcome significant challenges due to the planet’s thick atmosphere and high pressure.
The goal is to place a satellite in orbit around Venus and send a probe into its atmosphere to conduct scientific measurements. Dr. Somanath acknowledged the difficulty of the mission, noting, “Probing that atmosphere is not easy, and no one till now has seen the surface of Venus because it has such a thick cloud around it along with pressure.”
In parallel, ISRO is advancing the Gaganyaan mission, its first manned spaceflight program, despite some delays. The recent incident with Boeing’s Starliner, which left two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS), has not deterred ISRO’s plans.
The Gaganyaan mission remains on track, albeit with some postponements due to the complexity of developing indigenous technologies.
Future of ISRO’s Space Ambitions
ISRO’s long-term goals extend beyond the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Gaganyaan. India’s space agency is preparing for future missions that will contribute to its capacity for lunar exploration.
These include the Chandrayaan-4 mission and the development of the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). With plans to land humans on the Moon by 2040 and establish a permanent lunar habitat thereafter, ISRO’s vision for space exploration is bold and transformative.
The NGLV, which will significantly boost India’s launch capabilities by increasing payload capacities from 10 tons to 30 tons, will be a key asset in enabling more advanced missions to the Moon and beyond.
India’s journey into space has been marked by strategic innovations, and the robotic operation of its upcoming space station will be no exception. ISRO’s methodical approach, coupled with its commitment to advancing space technology, positions the agency as a leader in the global space race.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station, when fully operational, will serve as a platform for both robotic and human exploration, demonstrating ISRO’s ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in space.
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