At a high-level scientific review chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s space agency was assigned two monumental targets:
- Establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station—a national space station—in Earth orbit by 2035.
- Land the first Indian on the Moon by 2040, as part of an expanded lunar missions roadmap.
🛰 Roadmap to 2035 and Beyond
According to ISRO’s leadership, the roadmap involves three phases:
- 2023–2028: Technology build-up phase with Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4 (sample-return mission), SPADEX (space docking tests), and robotic systems.
- 2028–2040: Crew orbital missions and development of infrastructure for a lunar landing.
- 2040 and beyond: Establishing a full lunar base or scientific outpost.
India Today
The first module of India’s space station, BAS‑1, is expected by 2028, enabling assembly of a functioning station by 2035.
🚀 Gaganyaan: Crucial Cornerstone
The Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, initially budgeted at ~$1.1 billion now expanded to $2.32 billion, forms the bedrock of India’s crewed mission capabilities.
- Up to four crewed and six uncrewed missions are planned, leading up to long-duration missions in low Earth orbit.
- Critical technologies such as a human-rated launch vehicle, life-support systems, crew escape systems, and docking capabilities are under active development
🌜 Lunar Ambitions Taking Shape
ISRO’s lunar roadmap includes Chandrayaan‑4, a sample-return mission approved in 2024, and development work on subsequent missions leading up to a human landing by 2040.
Additionally, collaborations like LUPEX (with JAXA) and SPADEX docking capability experiments are integral to mission infrastructure.
🔍 Why It Matters
- National pride and global space leadership: These goals mark India’s intent to join an elite club of nations with independent human spaceflight and extended lunar capabilities.
- Policy backing & funding support: ISRO’s budget is projected to grow 20–30% over coming years under DoS and PM mandates.
- Boost to private sector: These missions open opportunities for startups, technology providers, and manufacturing enterprises in India’s space ecosystem.
📌 Summary Table
| Milestone | Target Year | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Earth orbit) | 2035 | BAS‑1 module (by 2028), multiple modules, docking systems |
| First Indian on the Moon | 2040 | Chandrayaan-4, lunar landing vehicle, crewed missions |
| Technology Roadmap Phases | 2023–2047 | Gaganyaan, SPADEX, LUPEX, Chandrayaan series, station & lunar base |
✅ Final Takeaway
With a clear timeline and growing institutional support, India’s space ambitions are accelerating. Establishing an independent space station by 2035 and landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040 show ISRO’s trajectory toward becoming a global space power—anchored by Gaganyaan mission milestones and strategic lunar exploration programs.
