The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of India’s indigenous space station—the Bharatiya Antariksha Station—in September 2024, marking the nation’s ambitious entry into the realm of space stations.1 But why do we need our own space station? Here are 5 key takeaways:
As humanity continues to evolve, groundbreaking technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives. The establishment of a permanent space station can be the next step in advancing these capabilities. Such a facility would house advanced laboratories capable of conducting microgravity experiments, significantly accelerating research in crucial fields, such as physics, material science and life sciences
The space station can not only drive scientific breakthroughs but also unlock vast commercial opportunities, including satellite launches, manned missions and technology transfer. For instance, estimates suggest that the global space industry could surge to USD1 trillion by 2040.2 This can position India to capture a larger share of the global market
The establishment of a space station will place India among an exclusive group of nations with such capabilities, enhancing its status as a global space power and establishing it as a leader in space technology and innovation
According to estimates, India’s space economy is projected to reach USD40 billion by 2040.3 Building and operating the space station will require developing and sourcing of advanced technologies and materials, such as life support systems and docking mechanisms. This presents significant opportunities for India’s domestic sector to develop indigenous technologies
An indigenous space station can strengthen India’s military prowess by facilitating the development of advanced communication satellites and enable enhanced border surveillance capabilities.
Currently, there are two operational space stations globally, with several others in the making. For India, given its proven track record of cost-effective space explorations, this ambitious programme will be crucial, as it can help the country become a driver of next-gen technologies and gain a geopolitical edge to become a global leader.
[1] Expanding Horizons in Space Sector: From Lunar Exploration to a National Space Station, Press Release, Department of Space, 24 September 2024, accessed on 7 October 2024
[2] A Not So Giant Leap: The Trillion-Dollar Space Economy, Aerospace America, 1 September 2023, accessed on 23 September 2024
[3] Press Information Bureau, Department of Space, 20 September 2023, accessed on 23 September 2024
[4] How many space stations are currently in orbit?, Starlust, 27 March 2024, accessed on 7 October 2024
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