Antariksh HAB Space Habitat: Like the International Space Station (ISS), preparations are on to build an Indian Space Station (BAS). Along with this, Indian astronauts are to be sent to space through the Gaganyaan mission. Both these missions are important for the continuous presence of Indians in space. A Bengaluru-based startup is building such ‘houses’ in which astronauts will be able to live. Interestingly, the size of these houses can also be increased if needed

A company called ‘Akashlabdhi’ is building an ‘Expandable Space Habitat’. ISS is also a kind of space habitat. What ‘Akashlabdhi’ is building are the next generation quarters for astronauts to live in. Perhaps these will also be used for space tourists. ‘Akashlabdhi’ has received government recognition. After starting work from IIT Roorkee, the firm has been working at IISc since November 2023. It is headquartered in Bengaluru

Low in cost, easy to scale

A prototype called ‘Space Hub’ is also ready. According to the company, the final version will have accommodation for six to 16 people. Its unique structure will give people much more protection from debris and radiation. There is an issue of scalability, cost efficiency and limited living space with space habitats like ISS. The ISS weighs 4.2 lakh kg, it took 155 billion years to launch and 15 years to assemble.

The habitat will be fully inflated in seven days

Siddharth Jena, CEO of ‘Akashlabdhi’, told the Times of India, ‘Once it reaches the desired orbit of about 1,100 km, it will take about seven days to fully inflate the habitat. We have used seven layers to build the habitat. Special materials have been used in it. We have a patent for the design. We are awaiting patents for the materials and processes used.’

According to Jena, several tests like wind tunnel, radiation and shape tests have been conducted at ISRO’s facilities. The company is also in touch with NASA-JPL to conduct tests related to burst pressure and microgravity.

An important aspect of the project is the development of a closed-loop life support system – an advanced system to recycle air, water and waste, creating a self-sustaining environment, Jena said. Work is also underway on this, he said. The size of the habitat can range from 80 to 330 cubic metres, depending on the customer’s requirement.

Manjesh Mohan, the company’s chief financial officer, said the habitat’s modular design was a game-changer. Manoj said if everything goes according to plan, the company is aiming to launch its first habitat by 2027. He said, ‘SpaceX has a launch program that can carry out our launch. We are currently negotiating a slot