Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
India has launched its first analogue space mission in Leh, Ladakh, marking an important step in advancing the country’s human spaceflight capabilities. This mission aims to simulate life in interplanetary habitats, preparing for challenges astronauts might face on missions beyond Earth.
Credit : ISRO
The mission is a joint initiative led by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay, with support from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The collaboration emphasizes India’s focus on developing homegrown space technologies.
Ladakh was chosen for its unique terrain that resembles Martian and lunar landscapes. The high-altitude, cold, and arid conditions of the region provide an ideal environment for testing strategies needed for extended space missions.
This analogue mission aligns with India’s broader goals for human space exploration, including the Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. The mission seeks to build expertise for future interplanetary missions to the Moon and Mars.
During the mission, participants will undertake activities that simulate life on other planets, such as evaluating habitat designs, managing resources, and studying the psychological impacts of isolation, all essential for long-duration missions.
AAKA Space Studio brings its expertise in space architecture to the project, working on habitat designs that are sustainable and supportive of astronaut health in extreme environments. These insights will aid in the creation of habitats for potential lunar and Martian settlements.
This mission enhances scientific knowledge and provides real-world data that will inform future designs for extraterrestrial habitats. It also underscores India’s role in global space exploration, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in space science and technology.