NEWS

• Scientists have discovered that jarosite, a mineral found in Matanomadh village (Kutch, Gujarat), is about 55 million years old.
• This site has conditions similar to Mars, making it useful for testing rovers, instruments, and experiments related to Mars exploration.

HIGHLIGHTS

What Are Analog Missions?

• Analog missions are tests on Earth in places that resemble space environments.
• They help scientists check whether equipment, technology, and human endurance can survive in harsh space-like conditions.

ISRO’s HOPE Mission in Ladakh

• India’s Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) is located in Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh (4,500m above sea level).
• It was inaugurated on 31st July 2025 by ISRO chief Dr. V. Narayanan.
• In August 2025, researchers spent 10 days inside a Mars-like habitat, testing survival in low oxygen, freezing temperatures, and isolation.

Why Ladakh?

• Ladakh is called India’s “cold desert”.
• It has thin air, extreme cold, strong UV radiation, and limited water – conditions similar to Mars.
• This makes it ideal for testing future space habitats.

Objectives of HOPE

• Study how humans adapt physically and mentally in extreme conditions.
• Train astronauts for future missions like Gaganyaan and Mars/Lunar habitats.
• Collect data on health, psychology, and operations needed for long-duration space travel.

About Mars

• Temperature: 20°C to -153°C.
• Surface: Rocky, dusty, with volcanoes and craters.
• Atmosphere: Thin, mostly carbon dioxide, less than 1% oxygen.
• Day: 24.6 hours; Year: 687 Earth days.

India’s Mars Journey

• Mangalyaan (MOM) entered Mars orbit on 24 Sept 2014, making India the first country to succeed on its first attempt.
• It worked till 2022, far beyond its planned life.
• Mangalyaan-2 is planned for launch by 2026.