Space Exploration: ISRO’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has just announced the launch of the country’s first analog space mission to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth.

The mission is meant to help ISRO understand the issues that future astronauts are likely to encounter on missions beyond the planet. It includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1 and is being held in Leh, Ladakh.

Ladakh has been chosen due to its unique geological characteristics that resemble lunar and Martian landscapes. Its cold, arid conditions and high altitude are going to provide a suitable environment for testing strategies and technologies.

Hab-1 to help plan better & safer space missions

India’s first analog space mission is a significant step in the direction of understanding the complexities of living on other planets. The findings may help researchers understand the strengths and limitations of human-robotic space exploration operations.

During the mission, the scientists are going to test a broad range of technologies, robotic equipment, habitats, vehicles and communications. Hab-1 is going to study the effects of isolation and confinement on astronauts’ health and performance.

The compact, inflatable habitat has essentials like a hydroponics farm, kitchen and sanitation facilities. It’s meant to provide a self-sustaining environment, offering important information as ISRO plans long-duration space missions.

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