India has its eye on the goal of setting up the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (BAS) by 2035, and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. The prospect of India having its own space station has ignited imaginations worldwide. ISRO’s unique outpost in space promises to unlock new frontiers in scientific exploration, from conducting groundbreaking experiments to gaining insights into the long-term effects of space travel on humans.
Must read: India plans to have its own space station by 2035
While India continues to grow leaps and bounds beyond the boundaries of the planet, the challenges are immense to make the 2035 target a reality.
What are the challenges ahead to make the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 target a reality?
NEED TO DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGY
Building a space station is a colossal undertaking that demands cutting-edge technology and expertise. India has shown its prowess in satellite development, but constructing and maintaining a space station requires a completely different set of skills. It involves life support systems, radiation protection, and long-term structural integrity. India will need to significantly upgrade its technological capabilities to meet these demands.
BUDGET NEEDS TO GO UP
The financial aspect is perhaps the most significant hurdle. A space station is a costly endeavour, and India must secure a substantial budget. Financial constraints could potentially limit the pace of the project and the range of experiments it can accommodate. India will have to seek international collaborations and explore private-sector involvement to ensure adequate funding.
GAIN EXPERTISE IN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT
While India has achieved significant success with robotic missions, it lacks experience in human spaceflight. To build and operate a space station, a well-trained team of astronauts is indispensable. India must invest in human spaceflight programs, astronaut training, and the development of necessary infrastructure for crewed missions.
NEEDS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
India’s space station project should also be seen in the context of international cooperation. Collaboration with established spacefaring nations can provide valuable insights and reduce costs. Establishing partnerships, especially with nations possessing space station experience, can be mutually beneficial in terms of knowledge sharing and resource sharing.
GEOPOLITICS MANUVERING
The development of a space station has geopolitical implications. India’s space station project could lead to concerns from other nations, which might view it as a strategic move. India will need to navigate diplomatic waters carefully to ensure that its space station ambitions do not lead to conflict or regional tensions.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Maintaining a space station is not a one-time endeavor; it’s a long-term commitment. Ensuring the sustainability of the station for decades will be a formidable challenge. India must develop a clear plan for regular maintenance, resupply missions, and upgrades to ensure its space station remains operational.
It will also have to devise plans to tackle space debris and its potential impact on the environment, which is a growing concern. India needs to address these issues by adopting best practices for space debris mitigation and disposal.
PUBLIC SUPPORT
A project of this magnitude requires public support. The government will have to engage in outreach and education to build public awareness and enthusiasm for its space station program. Explaining the benefits of space exploration and highlighting the contributions it can make to various scientific fields will be essential.
The establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station holds the promise of significantly enhancing India’s presence in space research and exploration. It will serve as a unique platform for conducting scientific experiments in microgravity, driving advancements in space technology. Moreover, it has the potential to catalyze economic activities leveraging lunar resources by 2047.
