Leh: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Friday that India’s first analog space mission has begun in Leh, Ladakh.
Spearheaded by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, the mission is a collaboration with AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and is supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
This initiative seeks to simulate living conditions in an interplanetary habitat and address the obstacles involved in establishing a base beyond Earth.
On X, ISRO shared, “India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! This joint effort between the Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council will simulate interplanetary life to tackle the challenges of setting up a base beyond Earth.”
The mission marks a significant step in replicating conditions similar to Mars and the Moon. Ladakh’s remote location, harsh climate, and unique geography provide an ideal environment to simulate the difficulties astronauts might encounter on other planets. The findings from this mission will contribute essential data for India’s Gaganyaan program and future space endeavors.
Ladakh’s dry climate, high altitude, and barren landscape are similar to conditions on Mars and the Moon, making it a suitable site for analog research. Dr. Aloke Kumar, a leading scientist in India, initially suggested Ladakh as a potential location for space research.
NASA defines analog missions as field tests conducted in Earth settings that simulate extreme space environments. These missions help scientists and engineers assess how humans, robots, and technologies could perform in space-like conditions.
NASA explains that engineers and scientists work with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners to identify testing needs in challenging environments before deployment in space. Testing areas include new technology, robotic systems, vehicles, habitats, communications, power sources, mobility, infrastructure, and storage.
These missions also study behavioural aspects like isolation, teamwork, and confinement, which help NASA prepare for deep-space missions to asteroids or Mars. Test sites for such missions include diverse settings such as oceans, deserts, and volcanic terrains that replicate the rigours of space exploration.
