INDIA'S FIRST AND ONLY LUNAR ANALOG HABITAT
NDAH-KALPANA 1
To know more about NDAH-KALPANA 1, check our under projects page on our website
THE SPACE HABITAT - NDAH - KALPANA 1 is a Next-Gen Deployable Analog Habitat developed after extensive research with the goal to have a minimalist
comfortable space for Astronauts on the Lunar surface. The habitat structure provides protection in extreme environments and resources in isolation. It has an undeployed area of 49 sq ft and 119 sq ft after deployment. It is a self-sustaining structure. The habitat is made up of airlock, EVA storage, a bio lab, a galley, crew quarters, hygiene cabin. It has a high degree of flexibility and modularity, allowing it to be adapted to various mission needs and scenarios.
THE LUNAR ANALOG EXPEDITION (L.A.E.) - INDIA'S FIRST LUNAR ANALOGUE SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM
A long-term space exploration program upsurges the risk factor in consensus to NASA Human Exploration. To mitigate these unforeseen risks, AAKA has come up with India’s First Earth-based Lunar Analog Expedition i.e, a simulation of the moon-like environment on the Earth!
Moon is our next Halt!
Earth’s only natural satellite which was last trudged upon in 1972, would become our first gateway to outer space in the upcoming years. Being an extraterrestrial body in the closest proximity to the Earth, Moon, which would be a home to all the required resources in the upcoming years, would even serve as a fuel refilling station and a rehabilitation stop. With the existing technology, the journey to Mars is incomplete with a halt on the Moon. Moon would not only expand our horizons for deep space missions but also give a purpose to the youth for what's beyond the present. Setting up an actual locale on the Moon is still a long way, not an impossible one for sure!
White Desert
Ahmedabad
ABOUT L.A.E - Lunar Analog Expedition is India's first analogue space exploration program with the aim to simulate moon missions. AAKA Space Studio is offering a once-in - a lifetime opportunity for curious space enthusiasts to take part in a simulated space mission at their very own space research and training station. The first mission of the LAE was held in January 2023, in white desert. The crew consisted of members of AAKA Space Studio, who tested the space habitat, NDAH- KALPANA1, in extreme environment before opening it to Scientists, researchers and students. The LAE's first mission was a success, providing valuable insights into lunar environment and confirming that government organizations and space industry are capable of leading complex space missions. On this expedition the participants will gain insight into subjects like space architecture, extraterrestrial 3D printing, ancient civilization, virtual reality for space, isolation challenges, technological and engineering challenges, stargazing, hydroponics as well as get to experience extravehicular activities that mimic those of real- life astronauts. Also, they are able to take advantage of the numerous facilities provided inside space habitat.
Analogue missions provide the opportunity to understand how a crew will interact in confirmed environments, allowing for the assessment of teamwork and dynamics. By providing scientists with the means to examine human responses to the extreme conditions in space, this research platform will serve as a valuable resource for exploring crewed missions and uncovering potential solutions that can make these missions more successful. Also, analogue missions provide way to test equipment, procedures, and spaceflight concepts with less risk to human loss, analog missions allow for exploration that is free from the burden of worries about safety, allowing for a broader range of activities to be explored.
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EXPEDITION (24TH DEC'22 - 8TH JAN'23) - INDIA'S FRIST ALL WOMEN CREW
CREW - 5 | TOTAL EVA HOURS - 75
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Nandini Gosai
Mission Specialist, Aerospace Engineer
Aastha Kacha
Crew Commander, Space Architect
Ruchi Sharma
Habitat Manager, Space Architect
Ammu Pradeep Kumar
EVA Specialist, Space Architecture Trainee
Dhwani Vani
Crew Scientist, Trainee
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Harappan civilization site study - the crew studied past architectural and living ways dating back 4500 years, researched into implementing the study to future crew settlement on Lunar and Martian terrain.
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The crew spent 11 hours of EVA activity consisting of deployment of exterior shell of NDAH-KALPANA 1 and fixing the interior. Such an EVA will permit the future participants to explore the space architecture and exploration station and gain access to its facilities and the environment to conduct the research
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The crew spent a total of 7 days to set up the BIOLAB consists of hydroponic mini-lab (supported by BRIO hydroponics), designed the algae panel and a soil testing operation.
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The spirulina algae provided daily protein to the crew.
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The crew hiked in isolation to learn about the ecology, collecting soil/rock samples.
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Other EVA activities performed were mechanical checks on the habitat, medical emergency task, stargazing, exterior cleaning of habitat etc.
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The crew tested the Virtual Reality for Space and 3D printed galley equipment.
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EXPEDITION (19tTH MAY - 22ND MAY )
CREW - 9 | TOTAL EVA HOURS - 45
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The expedition was filled with a wide range of exciting activities that spanned across various disciplines. Participants engaged in activities such as 3D printing, soil sampling collection, hydroponics, stargazing, and focused on space tourism design. The expedition also aimed to support both the ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency. In addition, participants participated in EVA activities, augmented reality experiences, and even built craters. These activities allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with space exploration. Overall, the expedition was a unique and enriching experience that provided participants with an opportunity to learn, explore and collaborate with like-minded individuals