India Targets 2035 Launch Date for Indigenous Space Station

India aims to establish an independently developed space station by 2035, marking a significant milestone in the nation's space programme, according to ISRO Chief V Narayanan. The planned facility would position India among a select group of nations capable of maintaining a permanent human presence in orbital space.

Narayanan highlighted that India's space capabilities have grown substantially since the country launched its space programme six decades ago. The steady expansion of indigenous expertise and infrastructure has enabled progressively more ambitious missions, from early satellite launches to recent achievements in lunar and planetary exploration.

The space station project represents the next frontier for Indian space ambitions. Such a facility would serve multiple purposes, including microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and fostering international collaboration in space activities. The project aligns with India's broader objective of strengthening its technological self-reliance while contributing to global scientific endeavours.

The timeline suggests a phased development approach, with ISRO building upon its existing experience in human spaceflight preparation and orbital infrastructure. The agency's ongoing Gaganyaan programme, which aims to conduct crewed missions, provides a foundation for the human operations expertise that a space station would require. Success in these intermediate milestones will be essential for realizing the 2035 target.