ISRO Begins Groundbreaking Analogue Space Mission in Leh

ISRO announced the launch of its analogue space mission in Leh, Ladakh. This innovative mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, addressing the challenges associated with establishing a base station beyond Earth. Through this initiative, ISRO seeks to gather insights and prepare for future space exploration endeavors.

Mission Overview

• Launch Date : The mission commenced on 1st November, marking a significant milestone for India’s space exploration efforts.

Collaboration

Developed through a partnership involving,

• Human Spaceflight Center, ISRO
• AAKA Space Studio
• University of Ladakh
• IIT Delhi
• Supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council

Objectives

Simulating Extreme Conditions

• The mission aims to replicate environmental conditions similar to those found on Mars and the Moon, considering Ladakh’s unique climate and geography.
• It focuses on the extreme temperatures of the region, which range from 3 to 35 °C in summers and −20 to −35 °C in winters, with heavy snowfall in winter months.

Testing Astronaut Challenges

• The mission seeks to replicate challenges astronauts would face in extreme conditions, preparing them for future exploration missions.

Importance of Analog Missions

Field Tests

Analog missions serve as field tests in environments akin to extreme space conditions, facilitating,

• Evaluation of new technologies, robotic equipment, habitats, communications, power generation, and mobility infrastructure.
• Observation of behavioral effects such as isolation, confinement, team dynamics, and menu fatigue.

Cost and Resource Efficiency

• By mimicking extraterrestrial environments on Earth, analog missions aim to save time, money, and manpower before investing in space missions.