India’s ISRO’s Hab-1 Mission Will Test Astronauts for Moon, Mars Missions
ISRO’s Habitat-1 (Hab-1), India’s first analog mission, simulated space conditions to train astronauts for future Moon and Mars expeditions was recently tested in Ladakh’s rocky terrain.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) tested the moon and mars mission simulation to reveal how the egg-shaped module will provide an alternative of potential living quarters for space exploration. The ground for testing, the rocky terrains of Ladakh mimic the environment of the moon and Mars.
What Is Hab-1?
Hab-1, fully equipped habitat for the Mars Moon orbit simulation experience for astronauts, is made from space-grade Teflon and insulated foam. It features a bed, pull-out workstation, storage space for supplies and emergency kits, a kitchenette, and a toilet.
These facilities for the NASA Moon to Mars mission address limited conditions and challenges astronauts may face during real space missions.
“Hab-1 is designed keeping in mind that space is going to be very limited on the Moon or Mars,” says the space architect from Gujarat-based firm Aaka, Ms. Kacha-Jhala told the BBC.
The mission comes as India prepares for its first astronaut launch with ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, to send three astronauts into low-Earth orbit at 400Km for three days next year.
The country also plans to establish a space station by 2035 for its India space missions and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Two of the four Gaganyaan astronauts are training at NASA, Prof. Subrat Sharma from Ladakh University says India’s Mars Moon orbit simulation mission will eliminate dependence on foreign space agencies for astronauts training.
Ladakh told the BBC it was chosen for the experiment due to its Mars-like terrain, with soil samples being tested to determine if astronauts could use local materials to build homes in space.
Testing Astronauts for Moon to Mars Missions
The Himalayan region on the India-China border, at 3,500 meters, has extreme climatic conditions with thin air and temperatures from 20°C to -18°C daily. Though less harsh than Mars or the Moon, it still tests human persistence.
“Since you can’t go to space to test every time, you need these facilities where space-like conditions can be created,” Prof Sharma told BBC.
Sharma added that, “Ladakh’s barren landscape, gives you the feeling of being alone on the planet”, according to an astronaut in that capsule during a stay lasting three weeks.
The Habitat-1 mission studies the psychological impact of isolation. Astronauts wear biometric devices to track sleep, heart rate, and stress levels. Throughout the missions, repetitiveness affected concentration and sleep, highlighting the need for strategies to manage mental well-being during long-term space missions.
As mentioned, Habitat-1 simulates conditions astronauts will face on a Moon to Mars mission, giving the world a glimpse on how the future of astronaut habitats will be like.
With Hab-1’s success in Ladakh, India is taking important steps toward full dependency in space science to train astronauts and develop advanced technologies for long-term moon missions and beyond.
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