India has taken a significant step toward Mars colonization by conducting its first-ever analog mission to simulate space conditions. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) tested the egg-shaped Hab-1 facility, a self-sustaining habitat designed to mimic Martian and lunar conditions, in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh. An astronaut spent three weeks living alone in the structure as part of the trial.
Hab-1, designed by architect Aastha Kacha-Jhala of Aaka, is made of space-grade Teflon and insulated with foam. It includes essential facilities like a sleeping area, kitchenette, dry toilet, waste management system, and storage. The habitat was developed to address the challenges of limited resources and extreme environments on Mars or the Moon. Kacha-Jhala noted that the structure remained odor-free throughout the mission, showcasing its efficiency.
Ladakh was chosen for its barren and rocky landscape, resembling Mars’ surface. Soil samples collected during the mission are being analyzed to determine if local materials could be used for constructing space bases. The data will also help develop medical technologies for oxygen-deprived environments.
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This initiative is part of India’s broader space exploration ambitions, which include the Gaganyaan mission in 2024 and plans for a space station by 2035 and a manned Moon mission by 2040. As ISRO negotiates to build a simulation space complex in Ladakh, this experiment underscores India’s commitment to advancing space exploration.
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