Analogue Space Mission

About Analogue Space Mission: 

• The Analogue space missions are simulated missions conducted on Earth that mimic the conditions and challenges of actual space exploration.
• These missions are crucial for testing technologies, studying human behaviour, and preparing for future long-duration space flights.
• Aim: It aims to replicate the living conditions astronauts would face on missions to destinations like the Moon, Mars, or asteroids.
• Objective: To replicate conditions of living in an interplanetary habitat, tackling the potential obstacles that astronauts may face on future deep-space missions.
• They provide a controlled environment to study the physical and psychological effects of isolation and confinement, which are critical for understanding how humans will cope with extended space travel. 
• It will attempt to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth.
• India's mission is a joint effort which involves the Human Spaceflight Centre of ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and is backed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
• Throughout the mission, participants will conduct activities to simulate life on another planet, such as habitat design testing, resource management research, and psychological studies on isolation's impact on crew members.
• Significance
  • It serves as platforms for testing new technologies and operational concepts. They help in evaluating systems related to habitat design, life support, in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU), and crew health monitoring.
  • It aligns with India’s larger goal of advancing its human spaceflight and interplanetary exploration capabilities, including the Gaganyaan project, which seeks to send Indian astronauts into space.
• Examples of Analogue Missions
  • Nasa's NEEMO: Conducted underwater to simulate microgravity conditions, allowing crews to perform tasks similar to those expected in space.
  • SIRIUS Program (UAE): It focuses on understanding the psychological impacts of isolation during long-duration missions. It includes international collaborations to conduct various scientific experiments.
  • Arctic Mars analogue Svalbard Expedition (AMASE): Uses the Svalbard archipelago's extreme environments to test equipment and procedures relevant to Mars exploration.

Q1: What is Gaganyaan Mission?

Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth. It is part of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP), which was initiated (in 2007) by the ISRO to develop the technology needed to launch crewed orbital spacecraft into low earth orbit (LEO).

News: Simulating extraterrestrial life: Isro's analogue mission begins in Ladakh