The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to conduct an exciting 21-day simulation of Mars and Moon missions in Ladakh’s challenging landscape. This experiment will mimic the conditions astronauts may face in these distant places, helping to test new technologies and gather important data. The Ladakh analog mission aims to explore new possibilities by recreating the harsh conditions found on Mars and the Moon. Ladakh’s remote location, tough climate, and distinctive landscape make it the perfect spot to imitate the challenges astronauts may encounter on these two.
This mission is a joint effort between ISRO, its Human Spaceflight Centre, the University of Ladakh, IIT-Bombay, and Aaka Space Studio, an architecture firm; and will mark an important step forward in India’s efforts to advance human space exploration. The mission supports the Gaganyaan programme and future projects, such as the Bharatiya Space Station, helping India gather important information to prepare for forthcoming space missions.
🚀 India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! 🇮🇳✨ A collaborative effort by Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an… pic.twitter.com/LoDTHzWNq8
— ISRO (@isro) November 1, 2024
Analog missions simulate space conditions on Earth to allow researchers, engineers, and astronauts to experience, test, and refine the technologies and strategies required for lunar, Martian, and deep-space missions. These simulations are indispensable for space agencies globally as they strive to mitigate the high risks and costs associated with actual space travel. By recreating the physical, operational, and psychological challenges of space, analog missions offer an environment where protocols, equipment, and human endurance can be assessed and improved, effectively bridging the gap between Earth-bound research and extraterrestrial exploration.
“Ladakh’s dry climate, high elevation and barren landscapes are very similar to the conditions on Mars and the Moon, making it a perfect spot for space simulation missions. This mission will examine how isolation and harsh environmental conditions affect human health and performance, offering key insights into the mental and physical challenges encountered during extended space missions,” remarked space and aerospace expert Girish Linganna.
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Aaka Space Studio Pvt. Ltd will test new habitat concepts, concentrating on sustainability, efficient use of resources, and adaptability to tough space environments. A lightweight, foldable fabric structure will be assessed for durability and performance under extreme conditions, providing valuable information for future Moon and Mars missions.
“The analog astronaut will record daily biometric data, such as heart rate, oxygen levels, body temperature and other vital signs, to study how the human body adapts to isolation and harsh environments. Ladakh’s rough landscape provides a great setting for practicing spacewalks (EVA) and low-gravity tasks essential for future Moon and Mars missions. The habitat will include a special lighting system to help regulate the astronaut’s sleep-wake cycle, improving well-being during extended isolation. This study will offer important insights into how lighting can support human health in space,” added Linganna.
The mission will also evaluate essential life support systems needed to keep astronauts alive in space. This includes checking air quality, recycling water and ensuring energy efficiency inside the habitat.
Aaka Space Studio Limited was founded by Aastha Kacha, a renowned space architect, technologist and philanthropist. It is a design firm focused on creating interactive, human-centered living spaces. It aims to combine technical expertise in designing habitats for space missions, including those in orbit, on the Moon, Mars and other planets. The studio’s main goal is to design, build and test foldable, livable structures, using Origami-inspired designs in space architecture. In space architecture, Origami inspires foldable, compact structures that expand easily, making them ideal for space missions and habitats.
This firms has become popular in the space industry as India’s first space architecture firm. Registered with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), the studio focuses on designing habitats for humans to live in space, with emphasis on sustainability and well-being. Additionally, the studio plays an important role as a space educator under ISRO, helping train and mentor future space architects and engineers in India.
The concept of analog missions emerged during the Apollo programme, when astronauts trained in Earth’s deserts and volcanic areas to practice rock collection and navigation techniques that would be essential on the Moon. Since then, space exploration ambitions have expanded, and analog missions have evolved into complex and systematic endeavors, focusing on a wide array of space exploration requirements. From the 1990s, agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) recognised the critical need for such simulations, especially in anticipation of Mars exploration and the desire for longer-duration space missions.
ISRO has also joined this international effort, running analog missions in Mars-like terrains in India. These include sites such as the Ladakh region and volcanic areas near Maharashtra, which provide an isolated and barren landscape similar to Martian conditions. ISRO’s missions focus on robotic mobility, resource extraction, and environmental testing to gather information critical for future planetary exploration, including testing protocols for potential manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
“Today, over 30 dedicated analog missions operate globally, each with unique conditions and research focuses. Notable sites include HI-SEAS on the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, which replicates the volcanic terrain of Mars, and NEEMO, an underwater habitat off Florida’s coast, simulating microgravity and isolation akin to space. Other significant sites include the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, which has Mars-like desert terrain, and Concordia Station in Antarctica, where extreme cold and isolation mirror the environments of lunar or Martian bases. These missions range in duration from weeks to over a year, with extended missions becoming increasingly common as agencies prepare for long-term stays on Mars,” explained Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.
Analog missions address various challenges faced in extraterrestrial environments, such as human factors, life-support systems, operational protocols, and environmental resource management. One critical area of focus is the psychological resilience of astronauts, as analog missions are instrumental in studying human behavior, teamwork, and mental health under extended isolation. Life support systems, including waste management, water recycling, and food production, are rigorously tested to ensure sustainability. Additionally, the missions provide an opportunity to develop and refine operational protocols for tasks like habitat management, equipment maintenance, and emergency response. Another key research area is extravehicular activity (EVA) in which astronauts simulate spacewalks and geological fieldwork under realistic constraints, such as wearing space suits and working with limited communication.
A growing emphasis is placed on in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU), which is the practice of using local resources, like extracting water from lunar regolith or producing oxygen, to support a sustainable presence on other planets. Communication is another major focus, as contact delays in Mars missions could be up to 20 minutes each way, necessitating greater crew autonomy. Analog missions often simulate these delays to train teams for independent decision-making when real-time communication with Earth is not feasible.
“Looking ahead, the expansion of analog missions will align with the evolving goals of space exploration, particularly as global space agencies, including ISRO, intensify their focus on lunar bases and Mars missions. Extended-duration analog missions will become more common to study the long-term effects of isolation and test the durability of habitats designed for Mars. Sustainability will also be a primary focus, with an emphasis on using renewable energy, recycling, and autonomous systems to create self-sufficient habitats. The integration of advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality tools will enhance crew productivity, safety, and resilience,” remarked Kesan.
In the future, as international collaboration increases, joint analog missions are expected to foster knowledge-sharing, cooperation, and unified strategies for tackling the immense challenges of deep-space exploration. Analog missions remain central to humanity’s journey beyond Earth, ensuring that when humans eventually step onto Mars or establish lunar bases, they are well-prepared to thrive.
