Realizing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks India's strategic transition from a satellite-launching nation to a space-faring power capable of sustaining human presence in orbit. It begins with the technical validation of 'docking' technology through the SpaDeX mission, which is essential for building a modular space station. Recognizing that a space station requires heavy lifting, the government then approved the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to triple India's payload capacity to 30 tons. These technical and logistical foundations culminated in the early 2026 announcement of a formal roadmap for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and a manned mission to the Moon, marking India's entry into the elite club of nations with independent space station capabilities.

How This Story Evolved

SpaDeX docking success (Item 22) validated critical tech → NGLV approval (Item 17) secured launch capacity → led to preliminary plans (Item 7) and the formal roadmap announcement (Item 6).

1. 2025-06-11: Developments Regarding India's Space Programme
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO successfully completed its SpaDeX mission's space de-docking.

   Key Facts:

   • Successful completion of SpaDeX mission's space de-docking
   • Satellites SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) were separated
   • Satellites launched on December 30, 2024, aboard PSLV-C60
   • Docking of SpaDeX satellites achieved on January 16, 2025
2. 2025-12-18: India's Space Program Advancements and Future Goals
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO launched 22 satellites in five years; developing reusable vehicles.

   Key Facts:

   • ISRO launched 22 satellites between December 2020 and December 2025
   • Developing reusable launch vehicle technologies
   • Developing high-thrust (2000kN) semi-cryogenic engine for LVM3
   • Approved development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
   • NGLV payload capacity: 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
3. 2026-01-02: ISRO Planning Multiple Satellite Launches in 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO plans multiple satellite launches and International Space Station.

   Key Facts:

   • ISRO planning multiple satellite launches in 2026.
   • Plans to establish an International Space Station.
   • Plans to send humans to the Moon and bring them back safely.

Genesis

Trigger

The successful space de-docking of the SpaDeX mission on June 11, 2025, where the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites separated after a 5-month attached flight.

Why Now

The mission was timed to prove that ISRO could master 'docking and berthing'—the foundational tech for assembling the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and conducting complex lunar return missions.

Historical Context

India's space journey began with the 1984 Indo-Soviet manned mission (Rakesh Sharma), but for decades it lacked the indigenous heavy-lift capacity and rendezvous technology to go beyond robotic satellite launches.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-01-16] Successful docking of SpaDeX satellites SDX-01 and SDX-02

   Proved India could perform autonomous rendezvous, the 'Lego-block' skill needed for station assembly.

   Before: Theoretical docking capability. After: Validated docking technology ready for mission integration.

2. [2025-12-18] Government approval for Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

   Removed the 'payload bottleneck' that would have prevented a space station's heavy modules from reaching orbit.

   Before: Payload limit capped around 10 tons (LVM3). After: Blueprint for 30-ton capacity to LEO.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Department of Space (DoS)
• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Key Concepts

SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment)

A mission to demonstrate the ability of two spacecraft to find each other, align, and join (dock) and later separate (de-dock) in orbit.

Current Fact: Successful de-docking of SDX-01 and SDX-02 was completed on June 11, 2025.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

A proposed heavy-lift, partially reusable rocket designed to replace or augment LVM3 for carrying much larger payloads.

Current Fact: Approved in late 2025 with a target payload capacity of 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Semi-cryogenic Propulsion

An engine using refined kerosene (Isrosene) and liquid oxygen, providing higher thrust and efficiency than traditional liquid engines.

Current Fact: India is developing a 2000kN high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine to upgrade the LVM3 vehicle.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of January 2, 2026, ISRO has officially integrated the International Space Station (BAS) into its immediate launch calendar, following the validation of NGLV specifications.

Likely Next

Expect the first modular test flights of BAS components and the high-thrust (2000kN) semi-cryogenic engine static fire tests throughout 2026.

Wildcards

Global supply chain disruptions affecting semi-cryogenic fuel components or shifting priorities in international space cooperation (e.g., Artemis Accords vs. independent BAS).

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Bio-technology

Essay Angles

• Space: The New Frontier of Strategic Autonomy
• From Satellite Launches to Space Habitation: India's Scientific Maturity

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Testing missions that support micro-gravity research (Axiom-4, SpaDeX, Gaganyaan). — SpaDeX is explicitly identified as a micro-gravity research enabler, emphasizing its role in the Space Station roadmap.
• Difference between PSLV and GSLV capabilities. — The arc's focus on NGLV (30 tons) is the logical evolutionary step beyond the GSLV Mk III (LVM3) discussed in this PYQ.

Prelims Angles

• Docking vs. De-docking: SpaDeX de-docking occurred on June 11, 2025.
• NGLV Payload: Target is 30 tons to LEO.
• Propulsion: The new engine is a 2000kN semi-cryogenic type for LVM3.
• SpaDeX components: SDX-01 is the 'Chaser' and SDX-02 is the 'Target'.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Critically analyze how the success of the SpaDeX mission and the approval of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) act as catalysts for India’s dream of an independent space station by 2035.

Answer Structure: Intro: Define Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and the 2026 roadmap → Body 1: Role of SpaDeX in mastering orbital assembly (docking/berthing) → Body 2: Importance of NGLV’s 30-ton capacity for modular station construction → Body 3: Strategic and scientific benefits (Micro-gravity research, Global leadership) → Conclusion: Roadmap to Gaganyaan and Lunar missions.

Essay Topic: The Geopolitics of Space Stations: Cooperation vs. Sovereignty.

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

The technical validation of docking (SpaDeX) and the fiscal/logistical approval of heavy-lift capacity (NGLV) were the two indispensable prerequisites that allowed India to transition from satellite launches to a formal Space Station roadmap in 2026.

All Events in This Story (3 items)

1. 2025-06-11 [Science & Technology] — Developments Regarding India's Space Programme
   ISRO announced the successful completion of its SpaDeX mission's space de-docking, a significant achievement in advanced space exploration. Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that this accomplishment paves the way for future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan. The undocking involved the separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites, which were launched on December 30, 2024.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO successfully completed its SpaDeX mission's space de-docking.

   Key Facts:

   • Successful completion of SpaDeX mission's space de-docking
   • Satellites SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) were separated
   • Satellites launched on December 30, 2024, aboard PSLV-C60
   • Docking of SpaDeX satellites achieved on January 16, 2025
2. 2025-12-18 [Science & Technology] — India's Space Program Advancements and Future Goals
   The Department of Space (DoS) reported that ISRO launched 22 satellites in the last five years. India is developing reusable launch vehicle technologies and more powerful propulsion systems, including a high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine for the LVM3 vehicle. The government approved the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to enhance payload capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO launched 22 satellites in five years; developing reusable vehicles.

   Key Facts:

   • ISRO launched 22 satellites between December 2020 and December 2025
   • Developing reusable launch vehicle technologies
   • Developing high-thrust (2000kN) semi-cryogenic engine for LVM3
   • Approved development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
   • NGLV payload capacity: 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
3. 2026-01-02 [Science & Technology] — ISRO Planning Multiple Satellite Launches in 2026
   ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced plans for multiple satellite launches in 2026 and is working on establishing an International Space Station. He also mentioned plans to send humans to the Moon and bring them back safely, highlighting India's strong international cooperation in space exploration.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO plans multiple satellite launches and International Space Station.

   Key Facts:

   • ISRO planning multiple satellite launches in 2026.
   • Plans to establish an International Space Station.
   • Plans to send humans to the Moon and bring them back safely.