ISRO launches India’s first 'analog space mission' in Ladakh to simulate Martian conditions

India's space exploration received a boost with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launching its first "analog space mission" in Leh and Ladakh, aiming to simulate extraterrestrial conditions.

The mission, developed in collaboration with ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and Aaka Space Studio, includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1. Designed to mimic Mars and Moon environments, Hab-1 allows scientists to study the effects of isolation and confinement on human health and performance.

Ladakh's high-altitude, low-humidity landscape closely resembles Martian conditions, making it an ideal site for testing. “This analog mission is a significant step towards understanding the complexities of living on other planets. The insights gained will be crucial for the success of future space missions,” Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath said. Equipped with essentials like a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation facilities, the habitat provides a self-sustaining environment, offering valuable data for planning long-duration space missions.