ISRO Chairman S Somanath has announced plans to build a space station by 2035, following the success of the last six months. The Prime Minister, a long-time supporter of space programs, envisions a continuous human presence in space. The Gaganyaan program, set to continue for an extended period, aims for a human landing on the moon by 2040. Despite the seemingly distant timeline, Somanath emphasizes its proximity and the urgency to build a space station accessible for Indians to conduct research.

Road Ahead:

The ambitious project requires the development of cutting-edge technology and expertise. While India excels in satellite development, constructing and maintaining a space station demands a distinct skill set. Key aspects include life support systems, radiation protection, and ensuring long-term structural integrity. India must make significant technological upgrades to meet these challenges and fulfill its space exploration goals.

REQUIRES GLOBAL TEAMWORK:

India's space station initiative should be considered in the context of international collaboration. Partnering with established spacefaring nations offers valuable insights and cost reductions. Building alliances, especially with countries experienced in space station endeavors, can be mutually advantageous for sharing knowledge and resources.

India might seek guidance from the US, Canada, and even China, learning from their experiences with space stations. While NASA, Roscosmos, and the European Space Agency have operated the ISS for over two decades, China has recently launched its Tiangong space station. India can draw lessons from these models for its own space station project.

ISRO Chief S Somanath Hopes for More IITians to Join Space Agency

ISRO Chief Shares Insights on XPoSat Launch: Achievements and Future Endeavors