India is charting a bold course in the space frontier with a vision to establish its very own space station by 2035. As a strategic milestone in the nation’s rapidly advancing space program, the Indian Space Station will elevate the country’s capabilities from a launch-service provider to a permanent space research leader. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this ambitious project builds on the momentum of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and reflects India’s intent to create sustainable, independent infrastructure in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The Indian space station represents more than just a scientific endeavor. It is a national symbol of technological maturity, geopolitical assertion, and international collaboration. While countries like the United States, Russia, and China have had active crewed stations in orbit, India’s foray into the same league signifies a major shift in global space power dynamics.
The idea of establishing a space station was first publicly introduced by ISRO’s former Chairman, Dr. K. Sivan, in 2019. He outlined that the proposed station would be small and modular, capable of hosting astronauts for periods of 15 to 20 days. The platform would be used for microgravity experiments, life sciences research, and possibly serve as a stepping stone for deep space exploration missions in the future. At the time, the estimated timeline for launch was set post 2030, aligning with the culmination of the Gaganyaan missions.
The Gaganyaan program itself is crucial for this broader vision. It serves as the testing ground for India's human-rated spacecraft systems, crew modules, launch escape mechanisms, and astronaut training protocols. The success of Gaganyaan, which is expected to send Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit, will validate critical technologies needed for long-term crew habitation in space. ISRO has been working with Indian Air Force pilots, training them under a collaboration with Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. These astronauts are likely to be the first candidates for missions to the Indian space station when it becomes operational.
Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), which is a joint venture involving the US, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Union, the Indian space station is envisioned as an independent facility, wholly managed and operated by India. However, ISRO has not ruled out future cooperation with other space agencies. In fact, establishing such an asset can foster stronger bilateral partnerships, particularly in space science and defense, with nations like France, the United States, and Australia.
Images from LVM3 M3 / OneWeb India-2 launch campaign. Image Credit: By Indian Space Research Organisation (GODL-India), GODL-India, LinkThe station is likely to be placed in low Earth orbit, at an altitude between 350 and 400 kilometers. This orbit provides relatively easy access via ISRO’s human-rated LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) and reduces radiation exposure, making it suitable for crewed operations. The module may weigh around 20 tons initially, with the potential to be expanded with additional modules over time. It will include systems for life support, power generation, thermal control, docking, and scientific experimentation.
One of the core objectives of this orbital platform will be to support scientific investigations in microgravity. Experiments in fluid dynamics, material science, medicine, and biology behave differently in the absence of gravity, opening doors to discoveries not possible on Earth. The station can also serve as a testbed for new space technologies and autonomous systems. By building indigenous capability to manage such complex missions, India strengthens its position in the global space economy and opens opportunities for private sector collaboration.
Financially, the space station project demands significant investment. ISRO, which traditionally operates on a modest budget compared to its western counterparts, has managed to deliver world-class missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 with remarkable cost-efficiency. Leveraging this experience, ISRO aims to develop its station through a modular approach, ensuring each component is validated independently before integration. In parallel, private Indian space firms like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Bellatrix Aerospace may play important roles in supporting technologies, including robotics, communication systems, and space-grade materials.
A key enabling factor for this vision is policy. With India’s new space policy introduced in 2023, the private sector has been encouraged to actively participate in satellite launches, component manufacturing, and ground systems. This liberalization allows ISRO to focus on strategic missions like Gaganyaan and the space station, while delegating routine services to private players. Furthermore, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) provides a single-window platform to facilitate these collaborations.
Another significant dimension to the Indian space station is strategic autonomy. With the ISS approaching its end of life by 2030, and China’s Tiangong station already operational, geopolitical tensions in space are on the rise. India’s decision to build its own station ensures it is not dependent on other powers for access to orbital infrastructure. This self-reliance aligns with the country’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and reinforces its sovereignty in space affairs.
The project is not without challenges. Crew safety, radiation shielding, long-duration life support, real-time telemetry, and orbital debris mitigation are complex engineering problems. ISRO is currently developing key technologies, including advanced thermal control systems, regenerative environmental control systems, and robotic arms for station maintenance. Moreover, India needs to train a new generation of astronauts and mission controllers to manage extended orbital operations.
Public engagement is another priority. ISRO has recognized the importance of transparency and educational outreach in generating interest among students, engineers, and researchers. Initiatives like Young Scientist Program (YUVIKA) and online mission dashboards are designed to inspire and involve the next generation of space professionals. The Indian space station, when realized, will serve not just as a laboratory, but also as a symbol of national pride and aspiration.
India’s journey to its own space station is a multi-decade effort, marked by careful planning, technological innovation, and international collaboration. As we move toward 2035, the dream of hosting Indian astronauts in a permanent orbital facility appears increasingly within reach. It will position India among a select group of nations with human spaceflight infrastructure and reinforce its role as a global leader in peaceful space exploration.
This monumental effort underscores India’s evolution from a developing space nation to an orbital power with strategic capabilities. It is not just a station in space, but a beacon of what India stands for in the 21st century: resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to scientific excellence.
Video credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili via YouTube.