Construction of the Mars Amity Research Station by Amity University, India to advance India’s involvement in the exploration of Mars
Category: Use of Extreme Environments to advance the exploration and settlement of space
Institution: Amity University, India
Mars Amity Research Station will be India’s first facility in partnership with researchers from Universities and Institutions from around the world, built for conducting planetary simulation activities-developing experiments and technologies for Lunar and Mars exploration. The station will support astrobiology and space biology research, help monitor climate change research, inspire students to pursue STEM education and spread awareness about Ssace in India.
Why MARS in Ladakh?
The main motivations for establishing MARS in Ladakh are:
• To further the exploration of Ladakh as an important region for developing Mars exploration technologies and studying environments that help us understand the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
• The presence of a station near a Mars analogue site allows for quick scientific analysis of collected samples from the field site, as opposed to the logistical challenges in storing and transporting the samples to laboratories in the rest of India and overseas.
• The Ladakh region has several sites similar to Early Mars, these topological similarities to the Martian environment allow for the testing of instruments and surface operation concepts that will help robotic and human exploration of Mars.
• Living and conducting scientific experiments in Mars analogue sites inspires students and teachers, and motivates them to take up careers in Space Exploration.
• Putting Ladakh on the International network of Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences, enhancing scientific collaboration with ISRO, NASA, ESA, Australian Space Agency to work together in developing space projects for Mars exploration.
• Amity University is the first University to establish a Space Exploration Station in India, similar to stations in the US, Europe, Russia, and China.