The Union Cabinet has approved a significant expansion of India’s Gaganyaan program, marking a pivotal step in the country’s space exploration ambitions. This decision includes the development of the first unit of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and the integration of new technologies and missions to support the creation and operation of the BAS.

The revised scope of the Gaganyaan program now encompasses the development of BAS-1 and precursor missions to demonstrate and validate various technologies essential for the station’s establishment. This expansion includes an additional uncrewed mission and the acquisition of extra hardware to meet the evolving needs of the Gaganyaan program.

The overarching goal is to complete eight missions by December 2028, including the launch of the BAS-1, which will serve as a cornerstone for future human spaceflight endeavors.

Initially approved in December 2018, the Gaganyaan program aims to facilitate human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and lay the groundwork for a long-term Indian human space exploration initiative. The expanded vision includes establishing an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and planning an Indian Crewed Lunar Mission by 2040. As space-faring nations invest heavily in capabilities for long-duration missions and lunar exploration, India is positioning itself as a key player in these global efforts.

Under the leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Gaganyaan program will collaborate with industry, academia, and national agencies. The project will be executed using ISRO’s established project management framework. The program will see the completion of four missions by 2026 and the development of the BAS’s first module, alongside four additional missions for technology demonstration and validation by December 2028.

This expansion will enhance India’s technological capabilities for human space missions and support scientific research and technology development in microgravity environments. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will play a crucial role in fostering technological innovations, generating employment in high-tech sectors, and stimulating economic activity related to space exploration.

With an additional funding allocation of ₹11,170 crore, the total budget for the revised Gaganyaan program has been increased to ₹20,193 crore. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to advancing India’s space exploration capabilities and creating new opportunities for the nation’s youth in science and technology.