The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Friday launched the country’s first analogue space mission from Leh, Ladakh. The mission was developed by a partnership between the Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh and IIT Delhi. It is also supported by the Autonomous Ladakh Hill Development Board.

ISRO announced the new initiative by sharing the photo on X.

“India’s first analogue space mission starts in Leh! A collaborative effort of Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombayand supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to meet the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” ISRO wrote on X.

The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon considering Ladakhthe extreme climate and geographical relief of the region. The mission attempts to replicate the challenges astronauts would face in extreme conditions on celestial bodies.

Ladakh is a cold desert and the climate is a mix of desert and arctic regions. The temperature in the region can vary from 3 to 35 °C in summer and −20 to −35 °C in winter. The region experiences heavy snowfall in winter.

According to NASA, analog missions are field tests in locations similar to extreme space environments. “NASA engineers and scientists work with government agencies, universities and industry to gather requirements for testing in harsh environments before use in space,” NASA said. said.

The mission aims to save time, money and manpower by mimicking a similar environment on Earth before investing in space, he adds.

These field tests cover new technologies, robotic equipment, vehicles, habitats, communications, electricity production, mobility, infrastructure and storage. Behavioral effects such as isolation and confinement, team dynamics, menu fatigue and others are also observed.

“Analog missions prepare us for near-term and future exploration of asteroids, Mars and the Moon. Analogs play an important role in solving problems in spaceflight research,” NASA said.