Science

ISRO launches India’s first analog space mission in Ladakh’s Leh

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday announced the launch of India’s first analog space mission, which commenced in Leh, Ladakh. This 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 aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat and explore the challenges of establishing a base station beyond Earth.

Sharing the news 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.”

This mission is a new step forward in simulating conditions similar to Mars and the Moon. Ladakh’s extreme isolation, severe climate, and unique geographical features make it an ideal setting to mimic the challenges astronauts would face on these celestial bodies. This mission will contribute valuable data to support India’s Gaganyaan program and future space exploration.

Ladakh’s dry climate, high altitude, and barren terrain closely resemble Mars and lunar conditions, making it ideal for analog research. Dr Aloke Kumar, one of India’s prominent scientists, initially proposed the idea of using Ladakh for space research.

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.”

These missions also observe behavioral effects such as isolation, team dynamics, and confinement, aiding NASA’s preparation for deep-space missions like those to asteroids or Mars. Test sites for these missions include diverse locations such as oceans, deserts, and volcanic landscapes that replicate the challenges of space exploration.

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

Axiom-4 piloted by Group Captain Shukla docks successfully at International Space Station

Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station…

3 minutes ago

First Kashmiri-Kannada film ‘Harmukh’ captivates audience in Srinagar

In a significant moment for regional cinema and cultural dialogue, the premiere of 'Harmukh', the…

51 minutes ago

“Language is the soul of a nation, not just a medium of communication,” says Union Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that languages were not just a medium…

2 hours ago

India’s EV growth is significantly lower than top 10 countries: Report

India's electric vehicle (EV) growth is significantly slower than the top 10 global standouts, according…

3 hours ago

33 Chinese warplanes breach Taiwan Strait median after President Lai reaffirms Taiwan’s sovereignty

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported today that 33 Chinese aircraft and five vessels were…

3 hours ago

India refuses to sign SCO Joint Statement over terrorism issue; Rajnath Singh takes veiled dig at Pakistan, seeks crackdown on crossborder terror

India on Thursday refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting…

4 hours ago