GUWAHATI: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched India’s first analog space mission on Friday, November 1 in Leh, Ladakh. This mission marks a critical step toward future interplanetary missions, as it will simulate extraterrestrial conditions to address the challenges astronauts may face in space habitats beyond Earth.
ALSO READ: ADB Warns India Of 24.7% GDP Loss By 2070 Due To Climate Change
The mission features a compact, inflatable habitat named 'Hab-1', designed to replicate life in interplanetary environments. Equipped with essentials like a hydroponic farm, kitchen, and sanitation facilities, it offers a self-sustaining environment, providing data crucial for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Ladakh was chosen for its unique, Mars-like terrain and harsh, high-altitude climate, ideal for simulating space environments.
The analog mission will majorly enable scientists to test new technologies, robotic equipment, and communication systems, along with studying isolation’s impact on human health.
The mission is a collaboration between ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
