India Launches First High-Altitude Planetary Habitat Test Site In Ladakh’s Tso Kar For Future Lunar And Mars Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has established the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) in Ladakh’s Tso Kar Valley to simulate conditions on the Moon and Mars, reported NDTV.

Inaugurated on 31 July by ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan, HOPE will test life-support technologies and mission systems for future planetary exploration.

Led by ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre, the project involves collaboration with an industry partner and top research institutes.

The 10-day trial mission, running from 1 August to 10, places two crew members in isolated conditions to evaluate their physical, mental, and task-related performance.

Tso Kar Valley’s Mars-like environment—featuring high UV radiation, low air pressure, extreme cold, and saline permafrost—made it an ideal testing ground.

The HOPE facility comprises two modules: an eight-metre crew habitat and a five-metre utility unit containing mission equipment.

Scientists from IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIST Trivandrum, RGCB Trivandrum, and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine are conducting experiments on isolation effects, health monitoring, and surface operations. These findings aim to enhance safety systems for future missions.

Calling HOPE “a rehearsal for the future", Narayanan highlighted that the initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of increasing private sector involvement in space exploration.

Simultaneously, Indian researchers have found early Earth-like conditions in Ladakh’s Puga Valley.

A study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences revealed organic compounds in the valley’s travertine, indicating life’s possible origins.

According to lead researcher Dr Amritpal Singh Chaddha said, “The high UV exposure and extreme conditions of the Puga Valley mimic those of early Earth and potentially, ancient Mars.”

Also Read: Five Things To Know About NISAR: NASA–ISRO’s Pioneering Earth Observation Satellite Mission