There is a place in space at an altitude of about 400 kilometers, where humans have been living continuously for the last 25 years. This is the International Space Station (ISS). This station, weighing about 450 tonnes, is as big as a football field. It started in 1998 and astronauts have been living here continuously since 2000, but now its age is coming to an end. It will be retired in 2030. NASA has prepared a plan of 1 billion dollars (about Rs 9500 crore) for this and there is a plan to bring it back to Earth and drop it in the Pacific Ocean between 2028 and 2030. After all, why is this space house being destroyed, what will happen in space after this and what effect will it have on India and the world?

What is International Space Station?

ISS is a joint project of the world’s five largest space agencies. This includes NASA (America), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe) and CSA (Canada). Its first part was sent into space in 1998 and astronauts have been living here continuously since 2000.

It is a space lab the size of a football field, weighing approximately 450,000 kg, which orbits at an altitude of about 400 kilometers. Every part of the station is interconnected and it cannot function without the help of any one partner. This is not only a scientist’s laboratory, but it also shows how different countries can work together to accomplish difficult tasks like space.

Why is it being abolished?

In fact, ISS has now completed its prescribed age. Its tenure has been extended several times, but now its condition is worsening. There are three major reasons due to which the decision to recall the ISS has been taken:

1. Aging and cracks of the station: For the last few years, there have been continuous technical glitches in the ISS. The biggest problem is the continuous air leakage in the ‘Zvezda’ module of the Russian section. On June 5, 2026, the situation became so serious that NASA had to order its astronauts to be ready for evacuation. These cracks and leaks have been a persistent problem in parts of Russia for more than five years, which NASA’s Inspector General has termed as ‘the biggest security risk’. Although efforts are underway to seal the cracks, the situation is on the verge of getting out of control.

2. Very expensive to run ISS: Billions of dollars are spent every year to keep the ISS safe and operational. Instead of investing so much money on this aging station, NASA now wants to invest it in Moon and Mars missions. Under the Artemis program, NASA wants to send humans to the Moon again and after that there are preparations to go to Mars also.

3. Inflow of Commercial Space Station: NASA wants private companies to take over the work of research and habitation in low Earth orbit. For this, NASA is building new space stations in collaboration with many private companies. Therefore, retiring the government station i.e. ISS is a more sensible step.

How will the ISS be dismantled and what will be the entire process?

ISS will not be dismantled overnight. This will happen under a long and very precise plan:

• Phase 1 – Astronaut evacuation (2028-2029): The operation of ISS will be stopped gradually. Around 2028, the last crew (astronauts) will be safely brought back to Earth from the ISS and no new crew will be sent after that.
• Second phase- lowering the orbit to enter the Earth’s atmosphere: By the time the ISS is in its last phase, its orbit will be gradually brought down. To do this, a new spacecraft named American Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) will be built. NASA has given the contract to build this vehicle to SpaceX for 843 million dollars (about Rs 7000 crore). This vehicle will be a larger and more powerful version of the Dragon capsule, which will dock with the ISS and slowly pull it down from its orbit.
• Third Stage – Final Dive and Fall into the Sea: At the right time, this USDV will push the ISS into the Earth’s atmosphere with the final thrust. When the ISS reaches an altitude of about 280 kilometers, it will be the point from where return is not possible. As soon as it collides with the atmosphere, tremendous heat will be generated, due to which most of the station will burn up. Still, some larger pieces will not burn and will have to fall to Earth. These pieces will be dropped at a particular place. This place is a deserted area in the Pacific Ocean, which is also called ‘Spacecraft Cemetery’. There is no population here, so there will be no loss.

What will happen after the ISS ends?

The demise of the ISS is not the end of any story, but the beginning of a new era. What are different countries going to do after this?

1. Commercial Space Station

NASA will no longer build government stations for research in lower Earth orbit. Instead, he is helping several different private companies build the stations. Then NASA will rent space from these companies. There are four major contenders:

• Axiom Space: This company is at the forefront. It plans to launch the first two parts of its station by 2028. First these parts will remain connected with the ISS and later they will separate and form their own separate station.
• Blue Origin: It is building a versatile station named ‘Orbital Reef’. This will be a platform where work ranging from research to manufacturing and even tourism can be done.
• Voyager Space: This station is also being built under the name ‘Starlab’. Its specialty is that it will be launched completely at once and not in parts.
• Vast: This company is building a small and economical station named ‘Haven-1’, which is planned to be launched from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

NASA has kept a budget of approximately 2.1 billion dollars (about Rs 17,600 crore) for all this.

2. China’s Tiangong Space Station

After the departure of the ISS by 2030, China’s ‘Tiangong’ (which means ‘heavenly palace’) will be left as the only major space station in space. At present it has three modules, but China is going to increase it to six modules soon. With this its weight will be around 180 tonnes. China has planned to operate it for 15 years. In 2026 itself, China has sent two of its astronauts to this station, one of which will stay there for a year.

3.India’s Indian Space Station (BAS)

India is also not behind in this race. ISRO is preparing to build its own space station, named ‘Indian Space Station (BAS)’. In September 2024 itself, the Cabinet had approved the launch of its first module (BAS-01) by 2028. However, the entire station will consist of five modules and is expected to be completed by 2035. Once built, India will join the list of select countries that have built their own space station. ISRO is also trying to join hands with Russia for this project.

The International Space Station is scheduled to end in 2030. This is the end of an era, which proved that humans can live in space for years and can make great scientific discoveries there. But with the retirement of the ISS, a ‘new era’ is beginning where private companies will have commercial stations. Countries like India and China have now jumped into this race.

UPSC has released the official schedule of IES and ISS examinations. Now candidates can give the right direction to their preparation, because the date, time and type of examination of each paper has been clearly explained. This timetable is available on the official website of UPSC upsc.gov.in, from where it can also be downloaded in PDF.

The third week of June 2026 is going to be very important for these candidates. There will be examinations for different subjects for three days. There will be papers in the morning and afternoon sessions, some of which will be objective and some descriptive. Candidates have been advised to read the timetable carefully and plan their studies accordingly.

19 June 2026: First day, two big papers

On the first day i.e. Friday, June 19, there will be a descriptive paper of General English from 9 am to 12 noon. Descriptive paper of General Studies will be conducted on the same day from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. On the same day, the paper of General Economics-I has also been scheduled in the morning session.

20 June 2026: Focus on Statistics and Economics

There will be objective paper of Statistics-I on Saturday, June 20 from 9 to 11 am. Descriptive paper of General Economics-II will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. On the same day, the objective paper of Statistics-II will be held in the afternoon session, while the paper of General Economics-III has been held in the morning session.

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21 June 2026: Last day, important topic

There will be a descriptive paper of Statistics-III on Sunday, June 21 from 9 am to 12 noon. There will be papers of Indian Economics and Statistics-Quadrant from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. This day is considered special for ISS candidates.

What is IES exam?

IES i.e. Indian Engineering Services is for those engineering graduates who want to become officers in the technical departments of the Government of India. This examination is also conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

What is ISS exam?

ISS i.e. Indian Statistical Services is for those students whose studies have been in Statistics, Mathematics or Economics. Through this examination, candidates are appointed to important posts related to data, survey and statistics in government departments.

Download schedule like this

Candidates can check the exam schedule by visiting the UPSC website. It would be better to download the PDF and take a print out of it, so that there is no need to check the date again and again during preparation.

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UPSC has started the application process for IES and ISS examination. This is a golden opportunity for the candidates preparing for government jobs. Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. Through this recruitment, eligible candidates will be selected in important departments of the Central Government. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online by visiting the official website of UPSC. The application process has started and candidates can fill the form till 3rd March 2026, hence candidates are advised to complete the application process in time without waiting for the last date.

How many posts will be recruited

According to the notification issued by UPSC, a total of 44 posts will be appointed under this recruitment drive. 16 posts have been earmarked for IES. Whereas 28 posts have been earmarked for ISS. Both these services are included in the prestigious services of the Central Government.

age limit

To apply for this recruitment, the minimum age of the candidate should be 21 years. The maximum age has been fixed at 30 years. According to the notification, the candidate should not be born before August 2, 1996 and after August 1, 2005. As per government rules, reserved category candidates will be given age relaxation.

Ability

For the post of IES, the candidate must have a post graduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics or Econometrics from a recognized university. For the post of ISS, the candidate must have a master’s degree with a bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics or Applied Statistics.

application fee

The application fee for this recruitment has been fixed at Rs 200 by UPSC. Women candidates, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and physically handicapped candidates have been given complete exemption from application fee.

UPSC will also open correction window

UPSC will also give candidates a chance to correct mistakes in the application form. The Commission will open the correction window, in which candidates will be able to correct their information within the stipulated time. This facility is very important for those candidates who make any mistake while filling the application. Therefore, candidates should fill the form carefully.

Apply like this

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Everyone knows that fire is also an element among the five elements. You must also know that a lot of oxygen is required for fire to burn. Burning of fire is not possible without air/oxygen. Fire is one of the greatest discoveries of human civilization. If fire had not been discovered today then it is not known how far human civilization would have reached. Now think, what will happen if this fire starts not on earth but in space? It sounds like a science fiction film, but in reality scientists have done in-depth research on this mystery. Let us know.

Can fire occur in space?

For fire to burn on Earth, three things are necessary – oxygen, fuel and heat. Together these three complete the process of combustion. But the environment of space is completely different, because there is no oxygen there. That means, under normal circumstances, fire cannot occur there. Nevertheless, when humans work in a closed system like a space station, air i.e. oxygen is present there and this is where the risk of fire begins.

What is a space fire like?

NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments with fire in space many times. During a mission, in the Flame Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX), scientists found that the fire burning in space is round in shape, whereas on Earth it rises up in the form of flames. The reason is that there is no gravity in space, so the hot air does not go up and instead of spreading, the flames remain limited to one place.

Extinguishing fire in space is a big challenge

For this reason, it is very difficult to extinguish a fire in space. The gases present in fire extinguishers are specially designed so that they can work even without air. Scientists say that the biggest challenge of fire in space is its slow burning. Because without air, fire does not spread, but it also does not get extinguished, it keeps burning for a long time.

Accidents happened twice in ISS

There were two such accidents in the International Space Station (ISS) in 1997 and 2011 when sparks of fire arose in small equipment. However, due to prompt control system and monitoring, there was no major loss. That is why astronauts are given special training in fire safety and every station has an airlock system, so that if needed, the affected area can be sealed immediately.

Also read: Oxygen reduces as soon as we reach altitude, then how are passengers able to breathe inside the airplane?

The US space agency NASA has banned Chinese citizens from its prestigious research centers. This decision has been taken keeping in mind security, due to which Chinese scientists and students are not able to reach NASA facilities, content and network. This step has come amid growing space competition between the US and China.

New ban on Chinese citizens
NASA said on 5 September that Chinese citizens who have legitimate visas of America were completely denied NASA system and facilities. These people could only work in NASA as a contractor or a student who contributed to research. NASA confirmed that the step has been taken to “ensure the safety of our work”.

Stress increased due to space competition
China’s rapidly growing space plan is worrying America. Already Chinese astronauts are deprived of the International Space Station (ISS), as the US has prevented NASA from sharing data with China. The new ban will also affect scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Charges of visa and espionage
Recently, many Chinese citizens in America have also been accused of espionage. Especially it has become difficult for students studying in science and technology to get visas and enter America. Some Chinese citizens were also suddenly denied participation in NASA’s data system and meetings.

Official statement of NASA
NASA’s press secretary Bethany Stevens said that “we have taken internal action related to Chinese citizens, including restricting physical and cyber security access to our facilities.” NASA executive administrator Sean Dafi said, “We are currently in the second space race. Chinese want to stop us from going to the moon first. It will not be allowed to happen.”

China’s response
The technical director of China’s manned space agency said last year said that American concern is “unnecessary” and Chinese space exploration is the collective mission of humanity. In the US Senate, lawmaker Chandra Abhiyan has also insisted on the need to transport the US before China.

Competition for resources on the moon
This race is not only to reach the moon, but also to control the resources there. The moon contains minerals such as iron, titanium, rare earth metals and helium, which are used in superconductor and medical devices.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) unveiled a model of the Indian Space Station (BAS) module during the two -day National Space Day celebrations started in New Delhi on Friday (August 22, 2025). India plans to launch the first module of its own manufactured space station, BAS by 2028. With this, India will join the group of selected countries that operate orbital laboratories.

Currently, there are two orbital laboratories- the International Space Station (ISS) operated by five space agencies and the Tiangong space station of China. Under its ambitious plans for the space sector, India is planning to set up five modules of the Indian space station by 2035.

450 km above will be installed in the lower orbit of the earth

The BAS-01 module is expected to weigh 10 tonnes and will be installed in the lower orbit of the Earth 450 km above the Earth. Its main features include indigenously developed environmental control and life support system (ECLSS), India Docking System, India Birthing Mechanism, Automatic Hatch System, Micro -Gravity Research and Platforms for Technology Performance, Scientific Imaging and Audowment for Covenant’s Entertainment.

The Indian space station will also have all the things like propulsion and ECLSS fluid recurrence, radiation, thermal and subtle meteorial orbital debris (MMOD) protection, space suits.

Will give a chance to test the necessary techniques

The BAS is expected to act as a research platform for the study of various aspects of space, life science, medical and internal explorations. This will provide an opportunity to study the effects of subtle gravity on human health and test the techniques required for long -term human presence in space.

Space station will promote space tourism

This space station will promote space tourism and India will enter the commercial space sector by taking advantage of the resources of this orbital laboratory. The BAS will contribute to the ongoing international cooperation and will act as a center for scientific research and inspire the younger generation to make a career in space science and technology.

A huge BAS-01 model of 3.8 meter times 8 meters at the National Space Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi was the center of attraction.

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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the International Space Station (ISS) mission of Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday (August 18, 2025). He described it as an “powerful symbol” of India’s human space flight ambitions and an important part of the upcoming Gaganyaan program.

Tharoor’s statement on the absence of opposition
Tharoor said, “Since the opposition is not participating in a particular discussion, I want to say that all Indians are proud of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent ISS mission. It is an important step towards our country’s Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Program.”

Opposition shied away from session
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju had appealed to the opposition parties to attend the special discussion on Shukla’s mission and India’s space program in the Lok Sabha. However, many opposition leaders did not attend this session demanding a discussion on alleged voter fraud.

1/3 Since the opption is not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of community shubhanshu shukla to the interactive space station (Iss). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s oven human spaceflight… https://t.co/y1bwqcceg6

– Shashi Tharoor (@Shashitharoor) August 18, 2025

ISRO got precious experience
Tharoor said that Shukla’s flight gave the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) such an invaluable direct experience and data that cannot be achieved in simulation. This includes understanding of spacecraft systems, projection procedures, and direct experience of psychological and physical effects of microscravity. He said that this experience will be very important in making Gaganyaan Mission safe and better.

Scientific and technical benefits
During this mission, Indian systems and protocols were tested in the actual environment of space. This also led to scientific conclusions-such as human health studies and uses on plant growth-which will shape life-support and medical systems for future Indian space flights.

Diplomatic importance
Emphasizing the diplomatic aspect of the mission, Tharoor said that it is a milestone in “global space diplomacy”. This proved to be the preparation of India’s multilateral cooperation and opened new avenues of joint research and investment.

Inspiration for youth
Tharoor said that the historic flight of Commander Shukla has given a strong symbol to India’s human space flight ambitions. It has inspired the new generation of the country to make a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and space studies, which is necessary for India’s long -term space goals.

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PM Modi on Shubhanshu Shukla Return from ISS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from space, on behalf of the country. He said, “I join the country and welcome Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has returned to Earth after his historical space mission.” Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first astronaut of India to visit the International Space Station (ISS).

PM Modi said that he has inspired more than one billion dreams with his dedication, courage and leading spirit. He described it as another important milestone in the direction of his human space mission ‘Gaganyaan’ in India.

Successful return of 18 -day historical space mission
India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned safely to Earth after staying at the International Space Station (ISS) for 18 days. He completed this journey under the Axiom-4 mission, which is considered a historical achievement in Indian space history.

Dragon ‘Grace’ returns from spacecraft
Along with Shubhanshu Shukla, the mission also included American experienced astronaut commander Pagi Whitson, Hungary’s Tibor Kapu and Slavos Ujnanski-Visnevsky of Poland. Dragon ‘Grace’ spacecraft flew from ISS at 4:45 pm Indian time on Monday 14 July and did a safe splashdown on earth after a journey of about 22.5 hours on Monday 14 July.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla on his return. He wrote on X, “Successful return from Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment for every Indian. He has not just touched space, but has given a new height to India’s ambitions. His journey is not just personal, but a big achievement of India’s space trip. Many wishes for the future.”

India’s space ambitions got a new dimension
This mission of Shubhanshu Shukla is not only a moment of pride for India, but it is also a strong inspiration for our Gaganyaan and other future space plans. This journey is proving to be a big step towards India’s growing space operations.