ISRO’s HOPE Mission: Preparing for Gaganyaan and Future Expeditions

Why in News ?

• On August 1, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a 10-day High-Altitude Isolated mission at 14,000 feet in Ladakh.
• The aim is to simulate human life and operations in extreme environments similar to the Moon and Mars.
• This mission is part of India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and preparation for future interplanetary missions.

HOPE: India’s Space Analogue Research Facility

• The mission is being conducted at the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), located near Tso Kar in Ladakh.
• HOPE’s terrain resembles the Moon’s rocky, cold desert climate with a low-oxygen environment.
• Temperatures drop several degrees below zero at night, posing an added challenge for mission participants.
• The facility was built by Bengaluru-based Protoplanet and inaugurated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.

Selected Crew

1. Rahul Mogalapalli – PhD candidate, Purdue University
2. Yaman Akot – Planetary Science graduate, University of Aberdeen

Selection Criteria:

• Medical fitness
• Psychological resilience
• Experience in confined environment simulations
• A 15-day pre-mission acclimatization program was conducted at a lower altitude.

Key Objectives of the Mission

1. Physical health monitoring – Studying genomic, proteomic, and metabolic responses from blood, urine, and stool samples.
2. Mental health assessment – Evaluating mood, sleep, cognitive performance, and team dynamics.
3. Operational readiness testing – Practicing astronaut-like daily routines, exercise, and communication with Mission Control.

HOPE vs. International Space Analogues

Significance for India

• Human performance data – Crucial for Gaganyaan and future Moon/Mars missions.
• Domestic testing facility – Reduces dependence on foreign collaborations.
• Mission equipment and strategy testing – Evaluation in realistic conditions.
• Strategic advancement – Places India among the select group of countries capable of realistic planetary surface simulations.