What is ISRO’s ‘analog’ space mission and what is it’s aim? Why it chose Ladakh as base? It has a …

ISRO News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India’s premier space agency, has a launched its unique ‘analog’ space mission in Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Taking to X, ISRO on Friday said its ‘analog’ space mission, is aimed to “simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth”.

Here’s what we know about ISRO’s ‘analog’ space mission and why Ladakh was chosen as base:

According to ISRO, its analog space mission aims to simulate conditions similar to what a manned mission to Mars or the Moon are likely to encounter. ISRO said it is attempting to replicate the extreme environmental and climatic conditions, similar to what astronauts will face on the Moon, Mars, or any other celestial body.

Why Ladakh was chosen for the mission?

Ladakh, one of the coldest regions on the planet, is a cold desert, featuring a deadly mix or artic and desert-like conditions, which are eerily similar to the extreme climates found on the Moon and Mars. Temperatures across various regions of Ladakh range from 3 to 35 degrees Celsius in summer, and can drop to -20 to -35 degrees Celsius in winter, accompanied by heavy snow and freezing weather.

Owing to these extreme temperature variations and harsh terrain, Ladakh is the perfect place to simulate conditions similar to what astronauts are likely to encounter on Mars, Moon, and other celestial bodies.

What is an ‘analog’ mission?

Analog missions are aimed at preparing astronauts for extreme environments which they will face in space. The idea is to make them familiar with harsh terrains and extreme weather conditions, by mimicking the same on Earth before they venture into space.

Apart from training astronauts for future manned missions to the Moon, Mars, or asteroids, analog missions also helps space agencies like NASA and ISRO to save a ton of money, time, and manpower by simulating space-like environments on Earth, before a manned mission is sent to explore any celestial body.