India’s ambitious plan to build the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 is progressing steadily, but the country still relies on foreign technology for astronaut suits, crew seats and viewports.

The government has now approved indigenous development of these systems, signalling a decisive push towards self-reliance in human spaceflight.

India’s space dream remains partially dependent on external suppliers for critical astronaut gear. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that flight suits, crew seats and viewports for the upcoming Gaganyaan missions are currently sourced abroad. However, the Centre has sanctioned their indigenous design and development, with prototype hardware already under way.

This announcement comes as the Indian Space Research Organisation advances work on the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, a five-module orbital complex scheduled to be fully operational by 2035.

The Union Cabinet had approved the development and launch of BAS-01 in October 2024, with the first module targeted for launch in 2028. ISRO has completed the Baseline Design Review and System Engineering of BAS-01, releasing 31 baseline design documents after expert evaluation. Subsystem design activities have now begun across ISRO centres.

The space station program demands mastery of a wide range of advanced technologies. These include docking mechanisms, avionics, communication systems, power management, thermal control, propulsion, environmental control and life-support systems, crew quarters, radiation protection, health monitoring systems, hatches, mechanisms and human-machine interfaces. Many of these are being developed through experience gained from the Gaganyaan program.

ISRO has already achieved significant milestones. The Human Rated Launch Vehicle HLVM3 has been developed, along with the orbital module, crew escape system, ground infrastructure, flight operations and astronaut recovery systems.

The TV-D1 test vehicle mission and Integrated Air Drop Tests IADT-01 and IADT-02 have been successfully completed. Docking technology has been developed with electrical and mechanical interfaces, while a concept demonstration model of in-space refuelling has also been tested.

The government emphasised that indigenous capabilities will form the foundation for the remaining four modules of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. This will strengthen India’s self-reliance in human spaceflight and support high-technology manufacturing and innovation in the space sector.

The program is also aligned with international standards to enable global collaboration, with docking ports designed for compatibility with hardware from other space agencies. Agreements with the European Space Agency and other partners highlight India’s intent to embed itself within the global space ecosystem.

India’s reliance on foreign technology for astronaut gear reflects the complexity of human spaceflight. Flight suits must withstand extreme conditions, provide life support, and protect astronauts from radiation.

Crew seats require advanced shock absorption and ergonomic design for launch and re-entry. Viewports demand specialised materials to resist micrometeoroid impacts and radiation while offering clear visibility. Developing these indigenously will be a major technological leap.

The broader vision is clear. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will serve as a hub for microgravity research, advanced technology development and deeper space exploration. It will also act as a testing ground for future lunar missions under India’s Space Vision 2047.

By reducing dependence on foreign technology, India aims to secure its place among the leading space powers, while inspiring innovation and creating high-tech jobs domestically.

Agencies