ISRO’s Bharatiya Space Station Set for Advanced Protection with IIT-Madras Innovations

As India advances its space ambitions with the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is receiving crucial support from researchers at IIT-Madras. Their efforts are focused on developing advanced protective materials to ensure the long-term durability of the space station in the harsh environment of space.

A team from the Extraterrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) research group is working on metal foam technology, a lightweight yet highly resilient material designed to shield the station from potential threats such as micro-meteoroid impacts. This innovative material is engineered to perform efficiently in the vacuum of space, enhancing the station's overall safety and longevity.

IIT-Madras’s research aligns with two significant objectives: enabling long-term human space missions and translating these technological advancements into Earth-based industries. By developing sustainable solutions, the researchers aim to support future lunar and Martian missions while also contributing to industrial applications back on Earth.

To facilitate their research, IIT-Madras has constructed a state-of-the-art Microgravity Drop Tower, the fourth largest in the world. This facility allows scientists to study how materials behave in zero gravity, providing crucial insights for refining metal foam properties. Neelabh Menaria, a key researcher in the project, is focused on optimizing the impact resistance of metal foam in microgravity conditions, ensuring its effectiveness in space station protection.

Beyond protective materials, the ExTeM team is also exploring welding techniques for space applications. Additionally, they are working on advancements in 3D printing and bioprinting, which will be critical for building and maintaining space infrastructure with minimal reliance on Earth-based supply chains.

As part of the Institute of Eminence initiative, IIT-Madras is not only contributing to ISRO’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station but is also laying the groundwork for future deep-space exploration. Their research is set to play a vital role in reducing dependency on Earth, making long-duration space missions more feasible while advancing material sciences for both space and terrestrial applications.