In a bold move following the unveiling of India's space roadmap by the PMO, Isro is eyeing a rapid construction of the first unit of its space station within the next five years. The agency, aligning its goals with the country's 100th year of Independence, aims to achieve multiple lunar missions while considering prospects for Moon tourism.
Isro Chairman S Somanath revealed that the agency is aggressively pursuing the development of a proposed space station. With plans to have the initial unit ready by 2028, Isro foresees the complete construction by 2035, well within the 2040 target announced by the PMO.
The proposed space station, designed to accommodate at least three astronauts at an altitude of 120-140km in space, represents a significant milestone in India's space endeavors. However, these plans remain subject to potential alterations.
Somanath expressed confidence in meeting the 2028 deadline for the first unit's completion using existing launch vehicles. Subsequently, Isro plans to rely on a larger launch vehicle, the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), expected to be operational around 2034-35, crucial for the station's full construction.
Isro is already actively engaged in developing the NGLV, aiming for partial reusability, employing advanced propulsion systems, including cryogenic engines, and ensuring compatibility with locally available materials.
The agency's roadmap for 2047 outlines three primary phases: technology build-up (2023-28), lunar reach-out (2028-40), and lunar base establishment (2040-47). The plans include missions like Chandrayaan-4, followed by Chandrayaan-5, 6, and 7, each with distinct objectives focusing on technological advancement, habitation, and infrastructure development on the Moon.
While these ambitious missions remain pending government approval, Isro is propelled by the government's commitment to space exploration, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiatives, ensuring robust support for these pioneering endeavors.