India has officially begun taking steps toward building its own space station, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) inviting bids from domestic companies to construct the first module of the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking qualified Indian aerospace manufacturers to develop and build two sets of the BAS-01 structure, which will be the base module for India's space station in low Earth orbit. The deadline for submissions is March 8, 2026, after which ISRO will evaluate technical capabilities and create a shortlist of companies for the next stage of bidding.
The BAS-01 module is a cylindrical assembly measuring 3.8 meters in diameter and 8 meters in height. ISRO is looking for an industry partner to handle the complete development and realization of the BAS-01 structure, including fabrication, welding, and assembly. The selected company will be responsible for building two sets of the structure using AA-2219 alloy. This includes approximately 18 cir-seam welds and 10 long-seam welds, with typical weld thicknesses ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm. ISRO anticipates the first hardware to be ready within 11 months of receiving essential inputs such as raw materials, approved manufacturing drawings, and production clearance for each weld sub-assembly.
ISRO intends to launch the first module, BAS-01, by 2028. The long-term goal is to have a fully operational five-module station by 2035. The space station will support extended human spaceflight missions, scientific research, and technology development in a microgravity environment. The Union Cabinet approved the BAS project in September 2024, envisioning a modular space station dedicated to microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and extended human spaceflight. The project is included in the expanded Gaganyaan program, with an approved outlay of ₹20,193 crore. The BAS-01 module will serve as the primary habitat and docking hub, providing essential pressurized volume and structural integrity for subsequent modules.
To be eligible, bidders must be Indian entities with at least five years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 50 crore over the last three financial years, relevant quality certifications, and no record of blacklisting. This initiative aligns with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) policy by prioritizing domestic participation and utilizing private sector capabilities. It also aims to develop domestic industry into turnkey aerospace manufacturing roles, particularly for large, human-rated welded structures.
The development of the BAS-01 module requires precision engineering to withstand the rigors of launch on ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and prolonged exposure to the space environment. ISRO is targeting several advanced technologies through this mission, including autonomous rendezvous and docking, robotics, in-orbit refueling, dedicated crew quarters, intra-vehicular activity suits, and modular racks for conducting microgravity experiments. This project is expected to boost India's space economy, potentially reaching $44 billion by 2033, and create high-tech jobs, particularly in regions like Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. The "Space Vision 2047" strategy seeks to establish India as a major space power by mid-century, and the BAS project is a crucial step toward achieving this goal.
