Cosmic dreams in cold deserts: How Ladakh's harsh landscape is becoming India’s space frontier

Night time observations using the MACE Telescope (Image: PIB)

There’s a place in India where science meets the stars. Perched above 4,000 meters, Ladakh’s cold desert is fast becoming a launchpad for Indian space dreams. From northern lights to solar storms, this silent landscape is speaking volumes in science.

Rare Aurora Leads to New Solar Insights

Last May, northern lights lit up Ladakh’s dark skies. This rare event followed the strongest solar storm in two decades. Using data from NASA, ESA and India’s Hanle observatory, scientists tracked the solar eruptions behind it. They measured the temperature and magnetic force of these solar winds.

Such studies are now routine in this high-altitude region. Hanle, which lies inside India’s first Dark Sky Reserve, is helping astronomers decode solar behaviour like never before. The area's thin air, clear skies and low light make it perfect for observing space.

Pangong to Host India’s Largest Solar Telescope

A new telescope is set to rise in Merak. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, plan to build a 2-meter solar telescope. The site near Pangong Lake sits at 4,200 meters above sea level.

At that height, clear views of the Sun become possible. Ladakh’s cold desert air has little moisture and heat. This reduces atmospheric noise that blurs space views elsewhere. Once approved, the telescope will offer Asia’s sharpest look at solar flares.

The IIA team says it will work with Aditya L-1. Together, they aim to deepen India’s grasp of space weather. These studies will also help protect satellites and other space equipment.

Ladakh as a Mars-like Training Zone

Space firms now use Ladakh as a test zone. Last year, India’s first analogue space mission launched from Leh. It was set up by AAKA Space Studio and ISRO. The aim: to prepare for space missions by using Earth’s harshest terrains.

Ladakh's rocky ground, thin air, and icy winds mimic Mars. These tough settings are ideal for training astronauts and testing space tools. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has backed this use of Ladakh for future missions.

India hopes to build its own space station by 2035. It also aims for a Moon landing by 2040. Scientists believe Ladakh will be key to both efforts.

The region is also home to the MACE telescope. At 4,300 meters, it is the world’s highest of its kind. Built by BARC, it captures high-energy rays from the cosmos.

With all eyes on the stars, Ladakh’s silent valleys now echo with big plans. In this vast stillness, India’s space dreams are quietly taking shape.