ISRO has inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) analog mission in Ladakh, a crucial step towards India’s Human Spaceflight Programme, aimed at extending human presence in space, with a targeted lunar landing by 2040. The mission will simulate conditions akin to Mars, allowing researchers from various institutions to study health and performance risks associated with crewed space missions. This initiative underscores the integration of public-private partnerships in India’s space ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration in the sector. Valuable data generated from this mission will inform future exploration protocols and infrastructure, marking a significant leap for Indian space endeavors.