**European Astronauts May Soon Live and Work on India’s New Space Station**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 03, 2025, 04:42 PM*
Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), has confirmed that European astronauts could soon be living and working aboard India’s ambitious new space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday, Aschbacher shared insights from his recent discussions with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which took place in Sydney during the International Astronautical Congress 2025.
### Strengthening ESA-ISRO Collaboration
ESA and ISRO are actively exploring ways to deepen their partnership in human space exploration. Their ongoing talks encompass a broad range of areas including space exploration missions, Earth observation, deep space communication networks, and the commercialization of space technologies.
To facilitate this, both agencies have established working groups tasked with drafting proposals for cooperation, aiming to foster a robust collaborative framework.
### European Astronauts to Visit the Bharatiya Antariksh Station
One of the most exciting prospects arising from these discussions is the potential for European astronauts to travel to and conduct scientific research aboard the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
The BAS is envisioned as a modular space facility orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 to 450 km. India plans to launch the first module of BAS by 2028, with the station expected to be completed by 2035.
### Next Steps and Timeline
Josef Aschbacher confirmed that the agreement includes the possibility of European astronauts flying to the Indian station. He noted, “We are looking into the details of the timescale and the cooperation that will be done in the next couple of months.”
He further added, “We are also analyzing costs, funding, and time schedules, and in spring next year we will have more details.”
### A Strategic Partnership for Global Space Cooperation
This collaboration between ESA and ISRO is poised to strengthen global partnerships in space exploration. For Europe, it represents a strategic alliance in the evolving international space landscape.
ESA’s involvement could cover a wide array of activities, including scientific research, space infrastructure development, and cargo delivery support. This partnership could open new avenues for joint missions not only in low Earth orbit but also beyond.
As the world looks toward an increasingly interconnected future in space, the ESA-ISRO cooperation could mark a significant step forward in expanding humanity’s presence beyond our planet.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/european-astronauts-could-soon-visit-india-s-space-station/story
