The space research organisation ISRO on Friday announced the launch of India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh.
This space mission, led by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, has been developed in partnership with AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
The mission wishes to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat and explore the challenges associated with it by establishing a base station beyond Earth.
While sharing the update on X, ISRO said, “India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! A collaborative effort by Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth.”
The mission is a step forward in simulating conditions similar to those of Mars and the moon.
Ladakh’s extreme isolation, hostile climate, and unique geographical features make it an ideal place to mimic the challenges astronauts face on the celestial bodies.
The mission will also enable India's premier space exploration agency to collect and use the data findings for the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan program and future space exploration.
According to NASA, analog missions are field tests in Earth environments that mimic extreme space conditions.
Analog missions allow scientists and engineers to understand how humans, robots, and technology might respond in space-like conditions.
“NASA engineers and scientists work with government agencies, academia, and industry to gather requirements for testing in harsh environments before they are used in space,” NASA explains.
The tests include “new technologies, robotic equipment, vehicles, habitats, communications, power generation, mobility, infrastructure, and storage.”
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