Following the successful conclusion of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is focusing on challenging space exploration missions.

In an interview with CGTN, Isro Chairman S. Somanath disclosed that the space agency is looking at a number of potential future missions, including the building of a space station and extended human spaceflight.

After the Moon mission's accomplishment, "We are considering all the options," Somanath stated. "We are examining the type of science you can perform. We are investigating how the space station may help the Indian space industry.

India's aspirations for space have increased as a result of the Chandrayaan-3 project, which saw the Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover successfully complete their missions on the moon. The mission was started on July 14 and completed on August 23 with a soft landing on the moon's surface.

ISRO is currently concentrating on expanding its human spaceflight capabilities through the Gaganyaan program after achieving this success. This project seeks to launch humans into space, which will be a big step toward building a space station.

"We have a plan that in the near future we must start building a Space Station and start with robotic operation," Somanath explained. "We still don't have manned flight capability, and we are working on it. The Gaganyaan program is towards human spaceflight capability, and once that happens, we will be able to look at Space Station building in subsequent modules in the next 20-25 years."

In Baku, the 74th International Astronautical Congress begins. India's Space Research Organization (ISRO) chairman claims in an interview with China's international television network that his country intends to construct a space station within the next 20 to 25 years. The initiative will also aid in cultivating a scientific culture in the nation and further our understanding of the cosmos.

What is a space station?

A space station is a large spacecraft equipped with living quarters, laboratories, and other facilities designed to support human habitation and scientific research in outer space. These stations orbit Earth, serving as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory, where astronauts conduct experiments in various fields, including biology, physics, astronomy, and materials science. Space stations are vital for studying the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, enabling researchers to develop technologies for future space missions, including those to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The International Space Station (ISS) is the most prominent example, a joint project involving space agencies from the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and other countries. It provides a platform for international cooperation, fostering scientific discoveries and technological advancements. Space stations also serve as a testing ground for life support systems and space technologies, paving the way for humanity's exploration of the cosmos.

Please, also have a look into : ISRO’s plan to double NaVIC coverage beyond India to 3,000 km