ISRO Simulation Mission in Ladakh

1. What is ISRO doing in Ladakh?

ISRO is conducting a 10-day simulation mission at Tso Kar, Ladakh, to test how humans and space equipment perform in Mars-like conditions. This mission is called HOPE (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration).

2. Why was Tso Kar in Ladakh chosen?

The Tso Kar valley sits at an altitude of about 14,000 feet. Its cold, dry, and barren terrain, along with low oxygen levels and strong UV radiation, closely resemble the conditions on early Mars. These extreme conditions make it ideal for testing endurance, technology, and mission plans.

3. What is the purpose of the HOPE mission?

The HOPE mission aims to:

• Study human physiological and psychological responses
• Evaluate survival and space technologies
• Prepare for India’s future human space missions to the Moon and Mars
• Support ISRO’s goal of sending astronauts beyond Earth by 2027

4. What does the research facility at Tso Kar look like?

The facility includes:

• Interconnected sealed habitat modules
• A space habitat for 6–8 researchers
• Life-support and environmental control systems
• Independent power and water supply
• Astronomical observation equipment

5. What kind of experiments will be conducted?

The experiments will focus on:

• Health and performance monitoring
• Crew coordination and stress management
• Microbial and environmental studies
• Adaptation to extreme conditions
• Testing tools and technologies for future space missions

6. Who is helping ISRO in this mission?

ISRO is collaborating with experts from several leading institutions, including:

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
• Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
• IIT Hyderabad and IIT Mumbai
• Institute of Aerospace Medicine

These institutions will study genetic, biological, and psychological responses of participants during the analog mission.

7. What are the future goals of this program?

The HOPE mission is part of India’s long-term plan to expand the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP). The future goals include:

• Achieving human landing on the Moon by 2040
• Planning future human missions to Mars
• Developing sustainable human presence in space

8. Has ISRO done such missions before?

Yes. ISRO has previously conducted similar analog missions, such as:

• Ladakh Human Analog Mission (2024)
• “Anugami” (2025) — a preparatory study for the Gaganyaan mission

The HOPE mission is a continuation of these efforts, further strengthening India’s capability for human space exploration.