Bharatiya Antariksh Station to have two robotic arms: New details revealed

A robotic arm in space is a controllable mechanical device that can move, position, hold or inspect equipment without requiring an astronaut to handle every task directly. On BAS, internal and external arms could extend robotic support throughout the station. This matters because robotic tools may reduce workload and help with operations in hazardous or difficult locations.

The internal arm would operate inside a pressurised module, where it could assist with equipment, payloads or station servicing. The external arm would work beyond the station, where it could support structural inspections, maintenance or other orbital operations. Their locations suggest different working environments, but the presentation does not define exact roles.

ISRO’s presentation lists both types of arms, along with free-flying systems and humanoid robots. It also says the station will support future expansion. The systems are therefore planned as part of BAS’s long-term operational design, rather than as a fully described engineering configuration today.

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is planned as a substantial orbital outpost, not a single compact spacecraft. It will contain five modules and orbit about 450 kilometres above Earth at an inclination of 51.5 degrees. Its estimated mass is approximately 54 tonnes, and its dimensions are about 27 metres by 20 metres.

The station is designed to support three to four crew members for continuous stays. During short-duration missions, it could accommodate around three additional astronauts. Its projected habitable volume is approximately 100 cubic metres, with power-generation capacity of 60 kilowatts.

The modules have separate jobs, including technology testing, docking, science, laboratory work and berthing. Together, they are intended to support long-duration human stays and microgravity research. The planned scale gives India room for sustained operations, rather than only brief visits.

The robotic systems are intended to make BAS easier to operate, inspect and develop over time. They could help astronauts with work outside the station, examine its structure and support maintenance. This matters because repeated or difficult orbital tasks can be supported by machines while crew members focus on decisions, science and safety.

For example, an external arm could help inspect station surfaces or position equipment during servicing. Internal systems could assist with operations involving equipment and payload facilities. The station includes payload racks across several modules, while BAS-05 will provide berthing for cargo-module docking and later expansion.

These uses are planned capabilities, not a complete operating manual. ISRO’s presentation lists internal and external arms, free-flying systems and humanoid robots, but does not specify each system’s exact configuration or role. Their broader purpose is to help build and maintain the orbital outpost.

Docking and berthing facilities let spacecraft, cargo vehicles or additional station elements connect with BAS. Designing docking provisions across all modules would give the station multiple connection points. This supports regular operations and can make future changes easier, instead of limiting every arrival to one location.

BAS-05, the Berthing Module, will provide a common berthing mechanism. The article links this facility directly to future expansion and cargo-module docking. Other modules will also have docking infrastructure or provisions, including BAS-02, the Core Module, and the station as a whole.

This arrangement reflects BAS’s planned growth. India intends to launch BAS-01 first and complete the five-module station later. Multiple connection points could help crews, cargo and new modules work with the station as it develops, while supporting long-duration stays and microgravity research.

Robotic systems could extend what astronauts can do without removing people from station operations. Machines may handle repetitive, distant or physically difficult activities, while astronauts supervise tasks, operate equipment and conduct research. This partnership matters for a station planned for long-duration human stays.

An external arm could support a structural inspection outside BAS, while an internal arm could assist with station servicing or payload work. Free-flying systems could provide another robotic capability, and humanoid robots are also listed among the planned features. These examples describe possible support roles, not a final division of labour.

The presentation does not say that robots will replace astronauts. Instead, it places robotic systems alongside crew habitats, exercise equipment, payload racks and research facilities. Their likely value is complementary: robots support operations and maintenance, while astronauts bring judgment, flexibility and direct research participation.

BAS represents the next stage in India’s human-spaceflight ambition. The article describes Gaganyaan as the programme through which India is demonstrating human spaceflight. BAS would build on that direction by creating an independent orbital infrastructure for longer stays, station operations and microgravity research.

The planned station will support three to four crew members continuously, with room for around three more during short missions. Its modules will include crew habitats, exercise equipment, science facilities, laboratories, docking systems and regenerative life support. Robotic systems would help build, inspect and maintain this orbital outpost.

India has set a target of launching BAS-01, the Base Module, by 2028. The complete five-module station is planned to become operational by 2035. BAS therefore marks a shift from proving human spaceflight capability to supporting sustained human presence and research in low Earth orbit.

Microgravity is the near-weightless condition experienced by people and objects in orbit. It happens because an orbiting station and its occupants are continually falling around Earth together. In this environment, materials, fluids and living systems can behave differently from those on the ground, creating opportunities for microgravity research.

BAS is expected to support experiments in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, materials science and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, living in microgravity creates health challenges. The article specifically identifies exercise equipment in BAS-02 to counter the effects of living in microgravity. The station also plans regenerative environmental control and life-support systems.

These features show why BAS combines research facilities with crew-support systems. Microgravity can produce valuable scientific results, but astronauts need equipment and a carefully designed habitat for longer stays. BAS’s planned crew capacity and long-duration mission goals make both sides important.