The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, on Friday. This mission was created through a collaboration between the Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Delhi. It also received support from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.

ISRO shared the image on X to announce the new endeavour. “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 interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” ISRO wrote on X.

Taking into account the harsh environment and topography of Ladakh, the mission seeks to replicate circumstances akin to those on Mars and the Moon. The goal of the expedition is to simulate the difficulties astronauts might encounter in the harsh environments of celestial worlds. Ladakh has a climate that combines elements of the Arctic and desert. The region may have summer temperatures ranging from 3 to 35 °C and winter temperatures ranging from -20 to -35 °C. The region witnesses a lot of snowfall in the winter. 

Analog missions, according to NASA, are field tests conducted in situations that are comparable to harsh space conditions. "NASA engineers and scientists work with government agencies, academia, and industry to gather requirements for testing in harsh environments before they are used in space," stated NASA. The mission also stated that by simulating a similar environment on Earth before investing in space, it hopes to save time, money, and labour.

These field tests involve various new technologies and equipment, including robots, vehicles, habitats, communication systems, power generation, transportation, infrastructure, and storage solutions. They also study behavioural aspects like the impact of isolation and confinement, how teams work together, and issues like menu fatigue. “Analog missions prepare us for near-term and future exploration to asteroids, Mars, and the Moon. Analogs play a significant role in problem-solving for spaceflight research,” added NASA.