India’s space ambitions took a monumental leap forward this National Space Day as ISRO unveiled a full-scale model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The BAS-01 base module—spanning 3.8 m in diameter and 8 m in length, weighing 10 tonnes—features cutting-edge indigenous systems like ECLSS, Bharat Docking and Berthing Mechanisms, and automated hatches for crew operations and microgravity research. The first module is slated for launch by 2028, with the complete five-module orbital station expected to become operational by 2035. BAS will support long-duration human missions, space tourism, and international collaboration, marking India’s entry into the elite circle of nations with their own space stations. (PC: Moneycontrol)

On National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO unveiled India’s expansive space roadmap, including Chandrayaan-4, a Venus Orbiter Mission, and the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS) by 2035. The first BAS module will launch by 2028, with full operations by 2035. A Moon sample return mission is planned by 2040, alongside development of a Next Generation Launcher (NGL). PM Modi praised India’s historic lunar and Martian achievements and urged youth to join the astronaut pool. He highlighted technological strides in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, and celebrated initiatives like the Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge. India aims to match global space agencies in deep space exploration and interplanetary missions. (PC: Jagran Josh & PTI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the first model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) during National Space Day in New Delhi. The BAS is India’s first planned space station and marks a big step in the country’s space ambitions. The first module, BAS-01, weighing 10 tonnes, is set to launch by 2028 and orbit 450 km above Earth. ISRO plans to expand the station to five modules by 2035. BAS will support microgravity research, life sciences, medicine, space tourism, and international cooperation. The project aims to make India a key global player in space exploration. (PC: X)

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has posted a mesmerizing timelapse video from the International Space Station (ISS), offering viewers an extraordinary view of India from orbit . The footage captures the ISS gliding over the Indian Ocean and along the eastern coastline, with dramatic visuals like lightning-lit monsoon storms, fleeting glimpses of the subcontinent, and the sunrise beyond Earth . Despite monsoon clouds limiting visibility, Shukla described the effort as a heartfelt attempt to bring his journey closer to those at home . The emotional and scientific resonance of the video has stirred widespread excitement among citizens.   

NASA’s Curiosity rover has captured images of unusual spherical rock clusters on Mars’ Mount Sharp that resemble fossilized dinosaur eggs. Found in a region called “The Boxworks” along the Gediz Vallis Ridge, these formations are not biological but geological, likely shaped by ancient fluid movements and mineral deposits. Scientists believe they may provide vital clues about Mars’ watery past and its transition to a dry planet. While drilling is impossible in the rugged terrain, Curiosity is using cameras and spectrometers for close analysis, continuing its mission to decode Mars’ environmental history. (PC: Money Control)

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan revealed that a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket, slated for the Axiom-4 mission, was initially underestimated by SpaceX. ISRO engineers insisted on thorough checks despite reassurances, uncovering a crack in the oxidiser line that could have caused catastrophic failure upon liftoff. Thanks to ISRO’s insistence, SpaceX corrected the fault—saving the lives of the four astronauts. Narayanan emphasized that this action stemmed from decades of Indian experience with liquid-oxygen systems, underscoring ISRO’s critical role in ensuring mission safety. (PC: ANI)

India’s space agency, ISRO, is on course to launch its first uncrewed Gaganyaan test mission (G1) this December, marking a major milestone in the nation's human spaceflight journey. The mission will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot, along with experimental payloads into low Earth orbit for system validation. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s astronaut trainees, affirmed the country’s readiness and collective spirit supporting the initiative. The G1 mission is a critical precursor to India's first crewed Gaganyaan flight, projected for early 2027.  

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), said his experience will aid India’s Gaganyaan mission. He flew aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission, launching on June 25 and returning on July 15. Speaking at a press meet with ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, Shukla said, “The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The knowledge I have collected will be extremely useful for Gaganyaan and future Indian space missions.” He thanked the government, ISRO, and researchers for supporting the mission. 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission, said his journey was a mission for the whole nation. At a press briefing with ISRO chief Dr V. Narayanan, Shukla said spaceflight was very different from ground training and thanked ISRO, the government, and researchers for their support. He served as mission pilot and carried out experiments designed by Indian scientists. Shukla said the first days in space were tough but rewarding. ISRO chief Narayanan called the mission historic and highlighted India’s rapid growth in space technology in the past decade. (PC: X)

Indian scientists from NIOT, Chennai, trained in the Atlantic Ocean as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan deep-sea mission. They gained experience onboard the French submersible NAUTILE, operating at depths up to 5,000 meters. India’s human submersible, MATSYA-6000, will carry three people to 6,000 meters for scientific exploration of ocean resources. The submersible features advanced technology, including a titanium personnel sphere, bio-vest for crew monitoring, and underwater communication systems. Indigenous components are developed with ISRO, DRDO, and Indian industry partners. Wet harbour trials were conducted earlier this year in Tamil Nadu, marking progress for India’s deep ocean mission. (PC: News18)