ISRO Space Analog Mission ‘HOPE’

• 08 Aug 2025

Source: ISRO 

Why in News? 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) space analog mission at Tso Kar Valley (Ladakh) to simulate and study challenges linked to long-duration space missions. 

What is the HOPE Mission?

• About: It is part of ISRO's Indian Human Spaceflight Programme, aimed at simulating space-like conditions to test technologies and human health protocols for future interplanetary missions, particularly those involving the Moon and Mars. 
• Objective: To study critical physiological, psychological, and operational challenges and improve mission planning and preparedness for human space exploration in human spaceflight. 
  • It focuses on epigenetic, genomic analysis, health monitoring protocols, and microbial sample techniques. 
• Site Selection: Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh was selected for its Mars-like environment-high UV radiation, low air pressure, salty frozen ground, and cold temperatures (15°C to -10°C).  
  • Oxygen levels are only 40% of sea level, and the rocky, sandy soil resembles Martian soil. 
  • It enables testing of life support systems, habitat technology, and rover movement, while supporting research on using In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and astrobiology. 
• Significance: The mission plays a crucial role in preparing for future crewed missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) including Gaganyaan, and an Indian lunar landing by 2040. 
  • It generates vital data, strengthens technological readiness and health protocols, and promotes Atmanirbhar space research through public-private-academic collaboration. 

Note:

• Tso Kar Wetland Complex in Ladakh is a Ramsar site, a conservation status conferred by International Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 

Earlier Analog Missions in Space Research

• India: 
  • Ladakh Human Analog Mission (LHAM), Leh (2024): ISRO’s first Mars and Moon analog mission began to test space habitat technologies under simulated space conditions. 
  • Anugami (July 2025): A 10-day analog experiment under Gaganyaan Analog Experiment (GANEX) to advance human spaceflight readiness. 
• Worldwide 
  • Desert RATS (NASA): Conducted in Arizona deserts to test rovers and extravehicular activity (EVA) for Moon and Mars missions. 
  • NEEMO (NASA): Astronauts live in Aquarius, the world’s only undersea research station, simulating space mission conditions. 
  • HI-SEAS: A Mars and Moon analog station in Hawai‘i, run by the International MoonBase Alliance (IMA) to support lunar exploration and research. 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

1. The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO  
2. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission  
3. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA  
4. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3  

Ans: (c)