The Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) is a groundbreaking analog mission led by ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre, inaugurated in Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh. This mission operates within a high-altitude cold desert characterized by extreme cold, high ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure, and saline permafrost closely resembling Martian terrain.

HOPE comprises two interconnected modules: an 8-meter diameter habitat for crew living and a 5-meter utility module for operational tasks. Over a simulated 10-day mission, participants face isolation protocols, rationing, and confined living conditions to assess vital physiological, psychological, and operational challenges. Through monitoring health metrics, genomic or epigenetic markers, microbial sampling, and circadian rhythm control, the mission seeks to enhance readiness for human spaceflight.

Serving as a rehearsal for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme and future lunar or Martian missions, HOPE plays a vital role in refining mission planning, health protocols, and system robustness for long-duration extraterrestrial exploration.