ISRO Analogue Space Mission Begins at 14,000 ft in Ladakh
> A 10-day analogue space mission has started at Tso Kar, Ladakh (14,000 ft), simulating the physiological and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight in isolation.
> Conducted at Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), built by Bengaluru-based firm Protoplanet.
> Inaugurated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
> The analogue crew includes:
- Rahul Mogalapalli, PhD researcher at Purdue University.
- Yaman Akot, planetary science graduate from the University of Aberdeen.
- Selected from 135 applicants based on ISRO guidelines.
> The site was chosen for its terrain similarity to Moon and Mars.
> Backed by Mars Society and Mars Society Australia; logistics support by Mahindra.
> Both crew members:
- Have prior confined habitat simulation experience.
- Underwent medical, psychological, and physical assessments.
- Completed 15-day pre-mission training at lower altitudes.
> The study focuses on:
- Genetic and psychosocial changes due to high-altitude stress.
- Biological sample collection (blood, stool, urine) for “omics” research (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
- Monitoring psychological indicators: sleep cycles, mood, decision-making, social interaction.
> Part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme and future lunar/planetary crewed missions.
> HOPE is a semi-permanent, modular, dismantlable station, designed for reuse in various future missions.
> Protoplanet will continue to operate HOPE, with collaborations planned with private firms, academics, and experts.
> Future simulations across India will focus on surface mobility, habitat design, and life support systems.
> Results from this and future missions will be released later this year.
Mars simulation on urf
Anonymous
loc-IN
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**ISRO Analogue Space Mission Begins at 14,000 ft in Ladakh**
> A 10-day analogue space mission has started at Tso Kar, Ladakh (14,000 ft), simulating the physiological and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight in isolation.
> Conducted at Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), built by Bengaluru-based firm Protoplanet.
> Inaugurated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
> The analogue crew includes:
- Rahul Mogalapalli, PhD researcher at Purdue University.
- Yaman Akot, planetary science graduate from the University of Aberdeen.
- Selected from 135 applicants based on ISRO guidelines.
> The site was chosen for its terrain similarity to Moon and Mars.
> Backed by Mars Society and Mars Society Australia; logistics support by Mahindra.
> Both crew members:
- Have prior confined habitat simulation experience.
- Underwent medical, psychological, and physical assessments.
- Completed 15-day pre-mission training at lower altitudes.
> The study focuses on:
- Genetic and psychosocial changes due to high-altitude stress.
- Biological sample collection (blood, stool, urine) for “omics” research (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
- Monitoring psychological indicators: sleep cycles, mood, decision-making, social interaction.
> Part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme and future lunar/planetary crewed missions.
> HOPE is a semi-permanent, modular, dismantlable station, designed for reuse in various future missions.
> Protoplanet will continue to operate HOPE, with collaborations planned with private firms, academics, and experts.
> Future simulations across India will focus on surface mobility, habitat design, and life support systems.
> Results from this and future missions will be released later this year.
