India is preparing for its first underwater human spaceflight simulation mission, with private space company Aaka Space planning a two-phase programme to study the challenges astronauts may face in space.
The first phase will be a 24-hour trial in a controlled environment in Gujarat in December 2026. The second phase, lasting 72 hours, is planned for March 2027, with the location yet to be finalised.
Aaka Space, which previously conducted the Ladakh Human Analog Mission, aims to build an underwater habitat that can simulate the physical, mental and operational challenges of human spaceflight.
According to Astha Jhala, Founder and CEO of Aaka Space, the mission will support India’s growing space ambitions, including the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Gaganyaan programme and plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Underwater habitats provide conditions similar to space, including isolation, limited movement, confined living spaces and dependence on life-support systems. These environments allow researchers to study how astronauts respond to stress, fatigue, sleep disturbances and changes in physical and mental performance.
The mission is also expected to support India’s upcoming Samudrayaan deep-sea exploration programme. Aaka Space plans to work with ISRO and sign an agreement with the Indian Navy for the initiative.
By combining underwater technology with human spaceflight research, the project aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in astronaut training, human performance studies and extreme-environment research.
