Cabinet approval

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the construction of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) as part of the expanded Gaganyaan programme.

Key details:

• Launch of first module: Scheduled by 2028, fully operational by 2035.
• Orbit: Low Earth orbit, about 400 to 450 km above the Earth's surface.
• Weight: The station will weigh around 52 tonnes.

Mission objectives:

As a research platform for Indian astronauts and scientists to help in microgravity, astronomy and Earth observation.