Akashlabdhi Moves Ahead in Inflatable Space Habitat Mission

Akashlabdhi Moves Ahead in Inflatable Space Habitat Mission 

Why in News? 

Recently, Indian aerospace startup Akashlabdhi has advanced its inflatable space habitat mission by completing key safety and validation tests abroad, bringing the country closer to launching its AntarikshHAB module into orbit later this year.

What is the Akashlabdhi Inflatable Habitat Mission?

• About: The Akashlabdhi Inflatable Habitat Mission is an innovative space infrastructure programme led by Akashlabdhi to revolutionise how humans live and work in orbit by creating modular structures that can be launched compactly. The habitat, often referred to as “AntarikshHAB”.

• • • An inflatable space habitat refers to a pressurised, flexible structure made of multi-layered, high-strength materials that can be folded for launch and then expanded or “inflated” in orbit to offer a larger usable interior volume.
  • Objectives: The mission’s core objectives include:
    • Demonstrating inflatable habitat deployment and safe pressurisation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    • Validating structural integrity, life-support systems, and radiation shielding.
    • Increasing habitable volume per launch mass to enable extended human habitation, research, and logistical support.
    • Supporting future human spaceflight infrastructure and integration with global platforms such as ISS or commercial stations.
    • Catalysing India’s private space sector and global collaborations in orbital habitat technology.

• Institutional Involvement: Akashlabdhi’s project is supported by international collaborators, including the European Space Agency (ESA) and Swiss research facilities where crucial safety and simulation tests were carried out. 

• IISc, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Delhi, contributing expertise in materials, systems engineering, and human-centred design.

• The startup also engages with private partners such as SpaceX for launch opportunities. 

• Timeline: Akashlabdhi’s timeline includes:

• • • 2023 – Formation and initial R&D.
    • 2025 – Prototype development and testing.
    • 2026 (Q1–Q2) – Planned orbital deployment trial aboard a SpaceX launch vehicle.
    • 2027 onward – Incremental development towards larger, human-capable inflatable habitats.

• Progress: In early 2026, Akashlabdhi completed key validation tests in Switzerland on its inflatable habitat technology. These tests examined factors like structural integrity, radiation shielding, and deployment reliability.

• Features:

• • Expandable pressurised structure that inflates after launch.
  • High volume-to-mass ratio for efficient space utilisation.
  • Advanced radiation shielding and debris resilience.
  • Capability to support 6–16 crew members or cargo for research and logistics.
  • Modular design adaptable for various missions and future space stations.
  • Technology readiness of Level 6 in a relevant environment.

Significance of Akashlabdhi Inflatable Habitat Mission

• India’s Human Spaceflight Capabilities: Unlike traditional rigid modules, inflatable habitats can be launched compactly and later expanded in orbit, significantly increasing usable living and working space — a crucial enabler for India’s Gaganyaan programme and planned Bharatiya Space Station ambitions. This capability aligns with India’s long-term goal of sustaining human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.
• Economic Significance: Beyond scientific research, such habitats can support microgravity experiments, space logistics, and potential space tourism ventures, with Akashlabdhi even exploring models like leasing orbital volume to governmental and private customers. The startup has attracted funding and institutional support, helping catalyse India’s private space economy.
• International Collaboration: The mission’s development has benefited from international collaboration, notably with the European Space Agency (ESA), demonstrating India’s ability to integrate with global space research ecosystems. These partnerships bring advanced validation methodologies in areas like radiation attenuation and structural integrity that are otherwise difficult to replicate domestically.
• Scalability for Future Missions: Traditional rigid space structures, such as the International Space Station (ISS), involve immense mass and cost, exemplified by ISS’s 4.2 lakh kg mass and $155 billion investment. In contrast, an inflatable design reduces launch costs per unit of habitable volume and supports modular expansion over time.
• India’s Space Policy: The mission exemplifies the evolving Indian space governance framework that encourages private sector involvement under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) initiative. The mission underscores India’s shift from a government-driven model to a multi-stakeholder space economy, enhancing innovation.