Building on the success of the recent Indian space initiatives—the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 missions—the Bharatiya Antariksha Station will be an extension of the manned space mission, Gaganyaan, which aims at sending Indian astronauts into space by 2024.

By 2035, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch a space station—an artificial satellite that orbits Earth and serves as a long-term base for scientific research and human activities in space. This is expected to weigh 20 tons compared to the 450-ton International Space Station and 100-ton Chinese Tiangong Space Station and host astronauts for up to 20 days while conducting microgravity experiments in space.

This big declaration was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mid-October this year, along with the promise of putting the first Indian on the Moon by 2040. The Prime Minister also urged Indian scientists to work towards a Venus Orbiter mission and a Mars Lander mission. The directions came at a high-level meeting chaired by Modi to outline the future of India’s space exploration initiatives, the Prime Minister’s Office had said in a statement.

Building on the success of the recent Indian space initiatives—the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 missions—the Bharatiya Antariksha Station will be an extension of the manned space mission, Gaganyaan, which aims at sending Indian astronauts into space by 2024. But this requires advanced technology, expertise and funding to construct and operate.

Giving shape to a space station is not an easy task and India faces several hurdles:

Developing new technology: India has proved its capabilities in satellite development. But a space station is a different ball game altogether and requires a separate set of skills and systems. It involves life support, radiation protection, structural integrity and orbital maintenance. India will need to upgrade its technological infrastructure and innovation to meet these demands.

Securing adequate funding: A space station is a costly endeavour and India will need to allocate a substantial budget for it. Financial constraints could limit the pace and scope of the project and the experiments it can host. India will have to seek international collaborations and private-sector involvement to ensure sufficient funding.

Human spaceflight expertise: India lacks experience in human spaceflight, which is essential for building and operating a space station. India will have to train a team of astronauts and ensure their safety and well-being in space. India will also have to develop reliable launch vehicles and spacecraft that can transport crew and cargo to and from the space station.

Managing geopolitical issues: A space station is not only a scientific endeavour, but also a strategic asset. India will have to balance its national interests and international obligations while pursuing its space station project. The country will have to deal with potential competition from, and build cooperation with, other space-faring nations, such as the US, Russia, China and the European Union. India will also have to adhere to the existing norms and regulations of space law and governance.

Hazards to astronaut health: The space environment can be lethal without the correct protection equipment and precautions. The greatest threats are a lack of oxygen and pressure in closed environments; expansion of the cerebral ventricles (spaces in the middle of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid which protects the brain by providing it a cushion in case of a sudden force or a jolt); altered gravity fields; radiation and the psychological effects of isolation and confinement. Space exposure can also result in ebullism, hypocapnia and decompression sickness, muscle atrophy, skeletal deterioration, a slowing of cardiovascular functions, balance and eyesight disorders and changes in the immune system.

Despite these challenges, India’s space station project offers many opportunities and benefits, such as:

Advancing scientific knowledge: A space station will enable India to conduct cutting-edge research in various fields—such as astronomy, biology, physics, medicine and engineering. A space station will provide a unique platform for studying the effects of microgravity and the space environment on various phenomena and processes. A space station will also facilitate the development and testing of new technologies and applications for space exploration and utilization.

Enhancing the nation’s prestige: A space station will showcase India’s achievements and capabilities in space and demonstrate its commitment and leadership in advancing humanity’s frontiers. A space station will inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. A space station will also foster a sense of national identity and pride among Indians.

Promoting global coop & peace: A space station will offer opportunities for collaboration and exchange with other countries and organizations in space, thereby fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among the participants and contributing to the peaceful use of outer space. A space station will also support the global goals of sustainable development and social welfare.

According to Girish Linganna, Aerospace and Defence Analyst: “India’s space station project is a bold and visionary initiative that reflects the country’s aspirations and ambitions in space. It is also a challenging and risky venture that requires careful planning and execution. India will have to overcome the technical, financial, human and political hurdles that lie ahead and seize the opportunities and benefits that are sure to follow.”

India’s quest for a space station is not only a scientific and engineering endeavour, but also a cultural and historical one. It is a journey that will shape India’s future and destiny in the world—and in space.

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indias-quest-for-a-space-station-the-challenges-amp-opportunities-3299829/