India preparing for Moon, Mars exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that India launched its first terrestrial base station "Moon-Mars" by using analogue technology. 

"The station's primary objective is to develop methods for deep space exploration and to study the conditions necessary for human life on the surfaces of these celestial bodies," ISRO said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The station will simulate the living conditions of humans in an interplanetary environment to support crewed interplanetary space missions," the message said.

A prototype for the exit zone has been established for expedition participants venturing into space and all conditions for sustainable human habitation in extreme environments have been ensured. It is equipped with an autonomous solar energy system and features hydroponic capabilities, allowing for the cultivation of essential food plants without soil, using nutrient-rich artificial mediums.  

ISRO, in collaboration with its partners, has established an analogue station in a desert mountainous region near Leh district of Ladakh union territory in northern India. 

According to scientists, the landscape, harsh natural conditions, and extreme temperature fluctuations in this area are ideal for simulating the environment in which astronauts will live and work during missions to the Moon and Mars.

Moreover, ISRO emphasised that the analogue station and experiments conducted at other scientific facilities are intended to play a crucial role in India's plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.  

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tasked the country's space research department with creating India's first manned space station by 2035 and achieving a crewed lunar landing by 2040. Modi also called for the development of programmes to launch an orbital station around Venus and a landing module for Mars.

By Naila Huseynova