India is taking a significant step towards becoming a major player in the space exploration industry with its first-ever “analog mission”, which simulates conditions on the Moon and Mars to prepare astronauts for real missions. The Hab-1, a unique egg-shaped structure built by Indian space agency Isro’s partner firm Aaka, has been tested in the high Himalayan mountains of Ladakh for three weeks.
The mission aims to identify and address issues that astronauts and equipment might face during real space missions. The facility features a bed, storage space, kitchenette, toilet, and stowaway tray, all designed to mimic the limited resources available on the Moon or Mars.
Isro’s Gaganyaan mission plans to send three astronauts into low-Earth orbit next year, with the goal of setting up India’s first space station by 2035 and sending a man to the Moon by 2040. The agency is also collaborating with other countries and private firms on simulation missions to train its astronauts.
The Ladakh experiment was chosen for its rocky terrain and extreme climatic conditions, which are similar to those found on Mars. Scientists collected soil samples during the mission to test if Indian astronauts can use locally-sourced materials to build homes in space.
Prof Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies at Ladakh University, said that simulating psychological factors is crucial for understanding how humans will react in space. The data gathered from this mission will help develop medical technology to deal with the needs of Indian astronauts in space.
The Hab-1 facility provides a unique opportunity to test human endurance and simulate space-like conditions, making it an essential step towards India’s ambitious space exploration goals.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g23rjq8qro