India to Establish Its Own Space Station by 2035, Says ISRO Chief

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making rapid progress on its ambitious space exploration goals, including the development of India’s first space station, which is expected to be operational by 2035. ISRO Chairman S. Narayanan announced that the project’s first module will be launched into orbit by 2028, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global space leader.

 

Narayanan highlighted that the agency is simultaneously working on Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, which are key components of India’s expanding lunar exploration program. The organization is also enhancing its satellite launch capabilities, aiming to triple the number of active satellites in orbit from the current 58 to nearly 150 in the coming years. Launch vehicle payload capacity is expected to increase from 4,000 kg to 5,100 kg, enabling more complex missions.

 

Human Spaceflight and Future Plans
India’s human spaceflight program is also on track, with the first manned mission expected by 2027. This will pave the way for the deployment of the space station and future deep-space missions. The space station will serve as a platform for scientific research, technology testing, and international collaboration in space.

 

Global Leadership by 2040
According to Narayanan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to become a global leader in space exploration by 2040. By then, the Indian space program will match the scale and complexity of other major spacefaring nations. A key part of this vision includes launching and safely returning future Chandrayaan missions, establishing a permanent presence in lunar orbit, and advancing interplanetary exploration.

 

Narayanan also noted the successful coordination of Operation Sindhu, where over 400 scientists contributed to Earth observation and communication support, showcasing ISRO’s growing capabilities in managing complex operations.

 

With the space station project, enhanced lunar missions, and human spaceflight plans, India is positioning itself among the world’s top space powers. By 2040, its space capabilities are expected to rival those of leading agencies such as NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA.