ISROs experiment marks first step in human space exploration

new delhi: in a significant stride toward human space exploration, isro launched its first analog experiment in leh, ladakh, aiming to overcome the environmental and technological challenges associated with extraterrestrial missions.as part of india's ambitious journey to send humans into extraterrestrial environments, the indian space research organisation (isro) has launched an analog experiment in ladakh's leh region. this experiment seeks to simulate conditions on other planets, setting the groundwork for future human missions to space. the initiative, conducted under isro's "space vision 2047" roadmap, outlines key milestones, including establishing india's space research station, bharatiya antarik shah, by 2035 and planning manned missions to the moon and mars by 2040.isro selected leh for its unique, extreme conditions similar to lunar and martian landscapes. at the experiment site, an expandable habitat, hab 1, has been set up with essentials like hydroponic plants, kitchen, and sanitation facilities to replicate extraterrestrial living conditions. the habitat will allow scientists to study human adaptability to isolation, environmental extremities, and artificial life support systems, key for sustaining human presence on distant planets.the experiment involves isro's human space mission centre in collaboration with akka space studio, the university of ladakh, iit mumbai, and the ladakh autonomous hill development council. the experiment will test technologies like robotics, habitat modules, and communication systems. insights from this initiative will guide isro in addressing the challenges of power generation, infrastructure, and storage for long-term space missions.with data from leh, isro aims to refine its strategies for overcoming the constraints of extraterrestrial environments, marking a pioneering step for india in the realm of human space exploration.