We finally know how many astronauts will live on Indian space station

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has announced plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a significant step forward in India’s space exploration capabilities.
The BAS is designed to weigh 52 tonnes and will initially support a crew of three, with plans to expand this capacity to six in the future. This ambitious project was unveiled during the Kannada Technical Seminar at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bangalore.
The BAS aims to facilitate a range of scientific endeavours, including interplanetary research, life sciences, and medicine studies.
Additionally, it will serve as a platform for space tourism and the harnessing of space resources, marking a pivotal shift towards more commercial applications of space exploration.

A graphic of Isro’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station. (Photo: Isro)

During the seminar, Isro highlighted the importance of creating sustainable habitats in space, which will enable long-duration missions and enhance research capabilities.
The station is expected to play a crucial role in understanding the effects of microgravity on human health and developing technologies that can support life on other planets.
The initiative aligns with global trends in space exploration, where nations and private companies are increasingly investing in technologies that support human presence beyond Earth.
As countries like the United States and China ramp up their space programs, India’s efforts to establish its own station reflect its commitment to becoming a key player in the international space community.
With the BAS, Isro is not only aiming to advance scientific knowledge but also to inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers. The potential for space tourism could open up new avenues for public engagement with space science, making it more accessible to people worldwide.
As preparations for the BAS continue, Isro is poised to contribute significantly to humanity’s understanding of space and our place within it, paving the way for exciting developments in both research and commercial ventures in outer space.