Archive · 23 Aug 2025
India's Space Station, CEC Appointments, and Sixth Schedule Overview
India is planning to build its own space station called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) with the first module launching by 2028.
Currently, there are two orbital labs, one operated by a group of countries and the other by China.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners are selected by the President based on a committee's recommendation.
The Sixth Schedule helps create self-governing areas in certain northeastern states, giving them some power over local matters.
India plans to launch the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2028.
The International Space Station is operated by five space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
Tiangong space station is operated by China.
The CEC and election commissioners are appointed by the President upon recommendation from a selection committee.
The Sixth Schedule applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
- Who
- India is launching its own space station. The President appoints the CEC and other election commissioners. The Sixth Schedule applies to states in the Northeast.
- What
- India plans to launch its own space station and the basics of CEC appointments and the Sixth Schedule.
- When
- India plans to launch the first module of its space station by 2028. Discussions on border talks with Bangladesh will start on August 25. The Sixth Schedule applies to some states.
- Where
- The BAS will be in low earth orbit 450 km above the earth. The Sixth Schedule applies to Northeastern states.
- Why
- India aims to join the countries that operate orbital labs. The CEC and election commissioners are appointed, and the Sixth Schedule allows for some autonomy in the administration of certain areas.
Issues and perspectives regarding space missions and the Sixth Schedule
Facts and specifications of space missions and Indian governmental processes
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
Issues and perspectives regarding space missions and the Sixth Schedule
India plans to have five modules of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station in place by 2035 as part of its ambitious plans for the space sector.
Facts and specifications of space missions and Indian governmental processes
There are discussions for the launch of the first module of the BAS, its own home-built space station, by 2028, marking its entry into the group of a handful of nations that operate orbital laboratories.
CEC and election commissioners appointments
Issues and perspectives regarding space missions and the Sixth Schedule
The CEC and election commissioners are appointed by the President of India upon the recommendation from a three-member selection committee.
Facts and specifications of space missions and Indian governmental processes
The CEC can be removed from office only “in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Autonomous District Councils
Issues and perspectives regarding space missions and the Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram (three Councils each), and Tripura (one Council).
Facts and specifications of space missions and Indian governmental processes
ADCs have up to 30 members with a term of five years, and can make laws, rules and regulations with regard to land, forest, water, agriculture, village councils, health, sanitation, village- and town-level policing, inheritance, marriage and divorce, social customs and mining, etc.
- BAS Launch
- 2028 (first module)
- International Space Station Operators
- NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA
- CEC Appointment
- President upon recommendation
- CEC Tenure
- 6 years or until age 65
- Sixth Schedule States
- Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura