ISRO to build human space analog habitat in Bengaluru

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), via its Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), has issued a tender to design and build a Human Space Analog System (HSAS) at its Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. This project aims to provide domestic training capabilities for Indian astronauts, who have previously had to travel to Russia for specialized training.

The facility is designed to simulate the isolated, confined, and resource-limited conditions of long-duration space missions, supporting simulations of up to 60 days. It will allow researchers to study crew psychology, human factors, mission operations, and systems integration. The project is a key component of India’s Gaganyaan programme.

The proposed habitat will feature a two-level core module approximately five metres in diameter and height. The first level will contain crew workstations and equipment racks, while the second level will house a galley, dining area, avionics dashboard, and exercise equipment. Additional components include an airlock module with an air shower and a separate crew personal module equipped with sleeping bunks, a vacuum toilet, and a waterless washing machine. A closed-loop habitability system will be used to maintain controlled environmental conditions for a four-member crew.