India has commissioned the first ground-based analogue base station “Moon-Mars” for the development of technologies for the study of deep space, which also offers conditions for adapting humans to life on their surface, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced, BTA reported .
Its statement stated that the station will simulate the living conditions of humans in an interplanetary environment in order to enable manned flights of interplanetary spacecraft.
The ground base has a prototype exit area for participants in outer space. It also provides all the conditions for independent living of people in an extreme environment.
In particular, the station is equipped with an autonomous system using solar energy and provides the possibility of growing plants necessary for the crew’s nutrition based on hydroponics (growing without soil on a nutritious artificial medium).
ISRO’s Manned Space Flight Center, along with its partners, has built the analog station in a desert mountainous area near the city of Leh in Ladakh. According to scientists, the landscape, harsh natural conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations in this region are ideal for simulating the environment in which astronauts will have to live and work during missions to the Moon and Mars.
The analog station and experiments at other science facilities are expected to play a key role in India’s manned missions to Earth’s natural satellite and the Red Planet, ISRO said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tasked the country’s space research department to set up India’s first manned space station by 2035 and send astronauts to the moon by 2040. Modi also called for developing programs to launch an orbital station to Venus and a Mars lander.
Title: Exploring the Final Frontier: An Interview on India’s Moon-Mars Analog Base Station
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Aisha Verma, a renowned space exploration expert and researcher in astrobiology. Dr. Verma, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Aisha Verma (AV): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss India’s groundbreaking step into analog space exploration.
TNE: Absolutely! India has recently commissioned its first ground-based analog base station known as “Moon-Mars.” Can you tell us what this base station aims to achieve?
AV: Certainly! The Moon-Mars base station is a significant development by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It aims to create a simulated environment that mimics the conditions humans would face on the Moon and Mars. This is crucial for studying how to adapt human life in such extreme environments, which is a vital precursor to manned interplanetary missions.
TNE: That’s fascinating! Can you elaborate on what specific living conditions this station will simulate?
AV: The station will replicate various factors such as gravity, atmospheric pressure, and radiation levels, along with other environmental elements. It’s designed to help scientists and engineers understand the physiological and psychological impacts of extended missions on human beings, essentially preparing us for long-duration stays in deep space.
TNE: That sounds critical for future missions. How do you see this advancement influencing international space exploration efforts?
AV: India’s Moon-Mars station could serve as a model for other countries. It demonstrates how nations can collaborate and share insights on human adaptability and the technologies necessary for survival in space. This could facilitate deeper international partnerships, especially as we work towards ambitious missions like Mars colonization.
TNE: In terms of timelines, how soon could we start seeing results from studies conducted at this station?
AV: Initial studies could yield results relatively quickly, within a couple of years. However, the long-term impacts—like developing reliable life support systems or understanding health effects on astronauts—might take longer. Continuous testing and data collection over many missions will be necessary.
TNE: How significant is this development for India’s position in the global space race?
AV: It’s monumental! India’s commitment to space exploration and technology development emphasizes its growing capabilities in the global arena. The Moon-Mars station positions ISRO as a key player in manned space exploration, aligning them with other space-faring nations and demonstrating their burgeoning expertise in deep space research.
TNE: This is truly an exciting time for space exploration. What are the next steps for ISRO following the establishment of this station?
AV: Following the commissioning, they will likely focus on assembling a team of experts to conduct experiments at the station. They will also need to develop partnerships with universities and research institutions for broader scientific collaboration. This is about building a comprehensive approach, not just in terms of technology but also in studying human factors.
TNE: Dr. Verma, thank you for your insights into this pioneering initiative. It seems we’re on the brink of a new era in space exploration, especially with India’s contributions.
AV: Thank you! It’s an exciting time indeed, and I’m looking forward to what comes next in this journey to the stars.
TNE: We appreciate your time and expertise. Stay tuned to Time.news for more updates on space exploration and technological advancements!