QUES . What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? UPSC 2019 GS MAINS PAPER 3. 150 words. 10 Marks
HINTS:
India’s plan to have its own space station
The Indian Orbital Space Station, also called Bharatiya Antariksha Station is a planned modular space station to be constructed by India and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The space station would weigh 20 tonnes and maintain an orbit of approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth, where astronauts could stay for 15–20 days.
Originally planned to be completed by 2030, it was later postponed to 2035 due to delays caused by technical issues related with the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight mission and the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
The first module is expected to be launched in 2028 on an LVM3 launch vehicle, with the remaining modules to be launched by 2035 on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle.
How the space station would benefit our space programme?
֍ The space station is slated to serve as a launching pad for greater space exploration. It will help in Deep space exploration.
֍ It will provide platform for greater number and length of scientific studies than available on other space vehicles.
֍ It would help in different microgravity science experiments in diverse fields such as astrobiology, astronomy, materials science, space medicine and space weather.
֍ Space station has robots along with humans. Thus, it will help in developing robots and hence improving robotics on the ground.
֍ Space stations are used to study the effects of long-term space flight on the human body.
֍ It would help to sustain human space mission in the future for a longer period of time.
֍ Space station is essential for collecting meaningful scientific data, especially for biological experiments.
֍ The space station will help to accelerate the development of reusable rockets, in-orbit docking systems, and manned missions.
֍ The indigenous Space station would enhance India’s image in the international sphere. It would increase India’s position as a space power.
֍ India can earn revenue from the commercial engagements with other countries from its space prowess.
֍ The station will create new opportunities for other spacecraft to dock as well as allowing for cross-collaboration experiments.
֍ Space station would not only enhance India’s capabilities but would motivate Indian youth to further pursue career in space.
While India continues to grow leaps and bounds beyond the boundaries of the planet, the challenges are immense to make this 2035 target a reality. ISRO should collaborate with countries like the US who have the experience and will be comfortable working with India.
