ISRO launches HOPE station in Ladakh to simulate life on Moon and Mars

HOPE Setup at Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh (Image: ISRO)

In the remote Tso Kar Valley of Ladakh, India’s space ambitions have reached new heights. A Martian-like setup is now buzzing with science and simulation, offering a glimpse into future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Why ISRO selected Tso Kar Valley for testing
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) on July 31. The outpost was constructed in the high-altitude desert region of Ladakh, chosen for its Martian-like terrain. Tso Kar Valley, with extreme cold, intense UV radiation and thin air pressure, provides nearly ideal conditions to simulate extraterrestrial environments.

The station has two primary modules. One is a crew living space measuring eight meters wide. The other, five meters across, houses essential equipment and support systems. From August 1 to 10, two crew members will live inside for a 10-day trial run. During this time, they will perform mental, physical, and task-based activities under close observation.

ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre is spearheading the mission, aided by private industry partners and premier research centres. The primary goal is to explore life-support systems and ensure safety precautions for subsequent space travel.

Scientists explore life and survival in Ladakh
Researchers from institutions like IIT Bombay, IIST Trivandrum, and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine are part of the study. They are examining how isolation affects the human body and mind. Tools for health monitoring and microbial collection are also being tested inside the habitat.

This analogue mission mirrors global efforts to study survival in harsh conditions on Earth. It helps experts prepare for the physical and psychological demands of long-duration missions beyond Earth.

Narayanan described the HOPE station as a “rehearsal for the future.” He said it supports the government's plan to boost private sector involvement in space science.

Astrobiology clues from Ladakh’s Puga Valley
In a parallel study, scientists have uncovered signs of ancient Earth-like chemistry in nearby Puga Valley. The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences found signs of amino acids, formamide, fatty acids, and sulphur in the region’s geothermal springs. These elements, locked in calcium carbonate deposits, are linked to early life.

Lead researcher Amritpal Singh Chaddha said that Puga’s extreme environment is similar to that of early Earth and possibly ancient Mars. The findings were published in the journal ACS Earth and Space Chemistry.

Together, the HOPE mission and the Puga study are placing Ladakh at the centre of India’s expanding space and astrobiology research.