LADAKH, Aug 3—Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a 10-day analog mission in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh to simulate Martian conditions and prepare for long-duration human space exploration.
The initiative, titled Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), is underway at Tso Kar in southeastern Ladakh, situated 14,000 feet above sea level. Designed to replicate the harsh environment of early Mars, the mission will test human endurance, validate mission protocols, and evaluate critical spaceflight technologies.
“Set in one of Earth’s most Mars-like environments, HOPE is designed to simulate planetary conditions for testing human physiological responses, validating mission protocols and evaluating spaceflight technologies,” ISRO said in a post on X. “This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s preparations for future low-Earth orbit and Moon/Mars-class exploration.”
The effort is part of India’s Human Spaceflight Programme, which aims to launch astronauts to space by 2027 and achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Why Ladakh?
Tso Kar was selected for its close resemblance to Martian terrain, with its cold desert conditions, saline permafrost, high UV exposure, and low atmospheric pressure. The site is also home to India’s highest space observatory in Hanle, which offers optimal conditions for astronomical studies.
A custom-built analog habitat has been installed at the site — an 8-meter diameter living module connected to a 5-meter utility module. The habitat includes hydroponics for food, sanitation systems, and a self-sustaining kitchen to support a crew living in complete isolation.
Building on Past Efforts
The HOPE mission builds on ISRO’s earlier analog simulations, including the Ladakh Human Analog Mission (LHAM) conducted in November 2024 and the “Anugami” Isolation Study held in July 2025, both of which involved Gaganyatris (future Indian astronauts). The current simulation runs from August 1 to 10.
“This analog mission is more than a simulation — it is a rehearsal for the future,” said Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and ISRO Chairman, during the inaugural address. He added that the project is being undertaken in partnership with private industry.
What Will Be Studied
The mission will support advanced experiments in space medicine and operational science. Teams from the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) are collaborating with leading institutions including the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Mumbai, and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru.
Two crew members will undergo continuous monitoring to study epigenetic, genomic, physiological, and psychological responses under isolated and extreme conditions. Researchers will also refine protocols for planetary surface operations, health monitoring, microbial analysis, and sample collection.
ISRO noted that analog missions like HOPE are critical for generating Indian-specific health and performance data, which is essential for the safe design of future space infrastructure and long-duration space missions.
“The data will help shape the architecture and mission planning for India’s future human spaceflights,” an HSFC official said. “This is where we lay the foundation for India’s journey beyond Earth.”
