New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has officially launched its inaugural analog space mission in Leh. This mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat and address the challenges associated with establishing a base station beyond Earth.
The mission is a collaborative effort involving the Human Space Flight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. ISRO announced the launch via a post on X, highlighting the significance of this project for India’s future in space exploration.
This mission comes on the heels of several notable achievements by ISRO, including the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission in 2023. This mission marked a landmark moment for India, as the lander Vikram captured historic images and video of the Pragyan rover descending to the Moon’s surface. The successful soft-landing in the Moon’s South Polar region ignited national pride among India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
In September, the Indian government approved the ambitious Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to enhance lunar exploration by demonstrating key technologies for landing, sample collection, and safe return to Earth. Alongside Chandrayaan-4, the Cabinet has also greenlit the Venus Orbiter Mission and the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), further solidifying India’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
With a budget of Rs. 2,104.06 crore (approximately $253 million), Chandrayaan-4 is set to be a critical milestone in India’s ongoing space program.
