Examine mental and physical strengths of astronauts; ISRO launches mission in Ladakh

Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of a mission in Ladakh to examine the physiological, psychological and operational dynamics of astronauts. And ground teams functioning in a high altitude environment. The scientific data generated on crew performance and human factors will contribute directly to the Gaganyaan programme and future long-duration missions.

Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment), the study will be conducted until April 9 at an altitude of approximately 3,500 metres , simulating the environmental conditions of hypoxia, low temperature and isolation as a natural analog for spaceflight operations.

The ISRO and the IAF-Institute of Aerospace Medicine have designed the mission, and Bengaluru-based start-up Protoplanet is responsible for facility management and statutory protocols.