'21 days, no escape': ISRO is training its astronauts in a place where Earth meets Mars

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

Pod Testing

[{"selector":"#anim-ae03890e-a690-407b-bffd-0d483ecebc3a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-1.8752276176537814%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] India’s Hab-1, an egg-shaped space pod, underwent rigorous isolation, life-support, and waste management tests in Ladakh, simulating space-like conditions. Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

Mars-Like Terrain

[{"selector":"#anim-537f6270-0861-4e66-bda1-192e92781adc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.769999755885918%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Ladakh’s rocky, Martian-like terrain allowed soil interaction and terrain adaptability tests crucial for future lunar and Martian missions. Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

Astronaut Isolation

A test astronaut spent 21 days in isolation, following a strict schedule. Physical, psychological, and health monitoring tests ensured survival in confined conditions. Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

Life-Support Check

The pod’s systems, including air filtration, water recycling, and dry toilet efficiency, were tested to validate long-term habitability in space. Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

Compact Design

[{"selector":"#anim-e0dcdbfc-721a-495f-8fcd-a23aaee0ec7b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.4346678386429477%, -14.476663611257207%) scale(1.3448275862068966)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Hab-1’s foldable bed, mini-kitchen, and storage underwent usability tests, ensuring astronaut comfort and functionality in tight quarters.

Waste Disposal

[{"selector":"#anim-25bbeb12-b81f-45c7-8a0e-a58fec1f18d0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(16.37962828020691%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The pod’s odour-free waste disposal system faced operational stress tests to ensure hygiene and sustainability during extended missions. Credit: aakaspacestudio/Instagram

NASA Collaboration

[{"selector":"#anim-ffd5022d-5f62-4a01-b284-5e42b927089d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(2.4902486682217138%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] While ISRO tested Hab-1, NASA trained two Indian astronauts, testing advanced life-support systems for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. Representative pic

Health Monitoring

[{"selector":"#anim-d30525a3-ec73-4092-a452-bb5680fe7c10 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-12.958594271659322%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] 24/7 biometric monitoring assessed physical health, stress levels, and activity patterns to simulate real-time conditions in orbit. Representative pic

Future Vision

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