Analog Experiments: Attempt to Simulate Space on Earth

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology

Context

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting a series of analog experiments (Gyanex) to test human endurance, refine mission protocols, and validate technologies, as India prepares for its first human spaceflight mission under the Gaganyaan Programme.

About Analog Experiments

• These are Earth-based simulations that mimic the physical, psychological, and operational conditions of space.
• These experiments allow astronauts and researchers to:
  • Live in confined, spacecraft-like environments;
  • Follow strict routines and conduct scientific tasks;
  • Test communication protocols, resource management, and emergency procedures;
  • Act as laboratories for human spaceflight, allowing researchers to test psychological resilience, decision-making under stress, and adaptability to unpredictable conditions.
• The only major difference from actual space missions is the presence of gravity, which remains difficult to replicate on Earth.

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex)

• These are being conducted in a static mock-up simulator in Bengaluru, led by ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and are critical for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
• In Gyanex-1, Group Captain Angad Pratap and two others spent 10 days in confinement, performing 11 science experiments and living solely on food developed by DRDO.
• These missions help ISRO gather data on:
  • Crew behavior under stress;
  • Impact of isolation on health and performance;
  • Effectiveness of onboard systems and routines.

Beyond Gaganyaan: Other Analog Missions

• ISRO has conducted two additional analog missions in Ladakh, designed to mimic extraterrestrial habitats:
  • Ladakh Human Analog Mission: Focused on building dwellings in cold, barren terrain, simulating interplanetary base stations.
  • Tso Kar Valley Mission: Tested the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) habitat, leveraging the valley’s Mars-like conditions including high UV, low pressure, and saline permafrost.

Strategic Purposes of These Experiments

• Human Readiness: Preparing astronauts for long-duration space travel
• Technology Validation: Testing equipment and protocols in realistic conditions
• Scientific Research: Understanding human health risks in space-like environments
• Global Competitiveness: Matching international standards in space exploration.

Source: IE