In an effort to better understand the difficulties of extraterrestrial settings for upcoming space missions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced Friday the launch of its first analogue space mission. The mission will replicate living in an interplanetary habitat and features Hab-1, a small, inflatable home. It is taking place in Ladakh’s Leh. The new trip will aid in understanding the difficulties that future astronauts may face on missions beyond Earth, even as India prepares to launch multiple space missions.
“India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh!” ISRO said in a post on X. “This mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” the space agency added.
Hab-1 has all the necessities, including a kitchen, sanitary facilities, and a hydroponics garden. As India plans long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it offers a self-sustaining environment and useful data.
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council is supporting the expedition, which is a joint venture between the Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay. Because of its distinct geological features that closely match Martian and lunar environments, Ladakh was selected as the mission’s location. Its high altitude and cold, dry climate will make it the perfect place to test the tactics and technology required for extended space flights.
The scientists will test robotic equipment, vehicles, habitats, communications, and new technologies during the expedition. During the analogue trip, they will also try to comprehend power generation, mobility, infrastructure, and storage. Hab-1 will also investigate how confinement and isolation affect human performance and health.
The results could aid ISRO in comprehending the benefits, drawbacks, and viability of proposed human-robotic exploration missions.
According to Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath, “this analogue mission is a significant step towards understanding the complexities of living on other planets.” “The insights gained will be crucial for the success of future space missions,” he stated.
The establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), an Indian space station, by 2035 and the landing of an Indian on the moon by 2040 are part of the nation’s Space Vision 2047.
