Why Ladakh was chosen as India's testing ground for Mars and Moon missions

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council have recently inaugurated India's first Mars and Moon analog mission at Leh in Ladakh to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat.


The mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, addressing potential challenges astronauts might encounter on future deep-space missions. “India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! A collaborative effort by Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth,” posted ISRO on the microblogging site X.



Ladakh was chosen as the site for this project in August, 2024, due to its unique geology mirroring Martian and lunar surfaces. Ladakh’s cold, dry climate and high altitude, makes it the perfect place for space technologies for testing. As a part of the mission, the participants will be expected to conduct scientific experiments to simulate life on another planet, such as habitat design testing, resource management research, and psychological studies on isolation's impact on crew members.


The geological similarities to extraterrestrial conditions make it an ideal location for building and testing astronaut habitats. Additionally, the station enables studies on how microbes and other organisms respond to such extreme environments.



“The habitat prototype, developed by Aaka Space Studio, features advanced technologies including an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) preparation zone, circadian lighting systems, and hydroponics for food production. A stand-alone solar power system and comprehensive environmental monitoring ensure the habitat's self-sufficiency in extreme conditions,” Aaka founder Aastha Jhala, told TOI.

This mission is in sync with India’s ambitious plan of sending humans to space and increasing its research in the interplanetary arena. AAKA Space Studio stated that Ladakh was selected due to its distinctive environmental features, which closely resemble those of Mars and the Moon.



Analogue space missions are missions that mimic, on Earth, the conditions and challenges of actual space exploration. These missions are designed to mimic the conditions astronauts would encounter on journeys to the Moon, Mars, or asteroids. They offer a controlled setting to examine the physical and psychological impacts of isolation and confinement, which are essential for understanding how humans will manage long-term space travel.