Siddharth Pandey Builds India’s Deep-Space R&D Backbone with Protoplanet”
India’s space ambitions are rapidly expanding beyond Earth’s orbit, but the journey to deep space requires far more than rockets and satellites. Bridging this critical gap is Protoplanet, a young yet ambitious research and training platform founded by Siddharth Pandey, a former NASA hardware engineer.Space Missions Don’t Need Justification Pandey believes that space exploration should not be defended merely by comparing its costs to Hollywood movies, but rather understood for its transformative impact on science, technology, and everyday life.
Established just last year, Protoplanet is already working closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to develop research infrastructure essential for future human spaceflight and planetary missions. Its first major achievement, the HOPE (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration) mission in Ladakh, marks a significant step toward preparing India for deep-space exploration.
Space Missions Don’t Need Justification : Building India’s Deep-Space Research Ecosystem
Protoplanet is not a sudden startup idea, but the culmination of nearly a decade of work carried out in India and for India. According to Pandey, the foundation for the platform was laid as early as 2014–2016, a period when astrobiology and planetary sciences were not yet a formal part of Isro’s mandate.
At that time, India had not announced flagship missions such as Chandrayaan-3 or the Human Space Flight Programme. Despite this, Pandey and his collaborators were already conducting training projects focused on space exploration, astrobiology, and planetary sciences—areas critical for missions beyond low Earth orbit.
By 2019, Pandey observed a shift in India’s space ecosystem. Isro had begun opening its doors to startups, universities, and private research institutions, encouraging them to participate in payload development and scientific experimentation. Recognising a clear gap in deep-space research capability and trained users, Protoplanet was formally launched.
The platform rests on three core pillars:
- Building deep-space R&D capability,
- Creating a trained user base for future missions, and
- Normalising space exploration for the average Indian citizen.
Collaboration with Isro and Global Institutions
Although Protoplanet is a new entity, its team comprises experienced professionals with established reputations. This credibility helped the organisation quickly build partnerships with Isro.
The first formal association came through Isro’s Space Tutor programme, which enabled Protoplanet to gain institutional recognition. This was followed by collaborations with Isro’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), where Protoplanet now holds two active contracts—one focused on microgravity research, and another on planetary analog environments that simulate conditions on the Moon and Mars.
Beyond India, Protoplanet is also working with international non-profit research organisations and universities in Europe and the United States, positioning itself as a global research facilitator rooted in Indian geography.
Why Ladakh Became the Testing Ground
The choice of Ladakh, particularly the Tso Kar valley, is strategic. Located in a high-altitude cold desert, the region presents a unique combination of low oxygen, high ultraviolet radiation, extreme cold, and isolation—conditions that closely resemble those astronauts may encounter on other planetary bodies.
From Isro’s perspective, Ladakh provides an ideal environment to study the physiological and psychological effects of extreme conditions on the human body. The hypoxic environment induces stress that impacts cognition, orientation, and physical endurance—critical factors for long-duration space missions.
Scientifically, the region also holds planetary significance. The terrain of Tso Kar is comparable to ancient Mars, particularly the period when the planet had water on its surface. The area hosts microbial life thriving under intense UV radiation, salinity, and cold, offering valuable insights into astrobiology and the potential for life beyond Earth.
The HOPE Mission: A Landmark Experiment
Protoplanet’s flagship project, the HOPE mission, was developed jointly with Isro’s HSFC and involved four academic partners: IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and the University of Malta.
Two crew members lived inside a twin geodesic dome structure for 10 days (240 hours) under complete isolation. The habitat was fully off-grid, powered by solar energy, with controlled water supplies, waste management systems, and astronaut-style freeze-dried food prepared in Hyderabad.
Participants followed a meticulously designed hourly schedule, collecting continuous data on their physical and mental health. The objective was not to simulate a Mars or Moon base, but to understand how isolation and extreme terrestrial environments affect the human body.
Why India Needs Localised Human Research
Pandey strongly advocates for India-specific human research. Physiological and psychological responses can vary significantly across populations due to genetics, diet, and environmental exposure.
For example, gut health studies and probiotic research conducted on Western or East Asian populations may not apply directly to Indians. Localised research allows scientists to develop space nutrition, health protocols, and life-support systems tailored to Indian astronauts.
Protoplanet positions itself as a custodian of research infrastructure, enabling scientists to conduct such studies rather than directly owning the research outcomes.
What’s Next: Analog 2 and Expansion Plans
Following the success of HOPE, Analog 2 is planned for next year. The station, currently designed for two crew members, is expected to expand to accommodate four to six participants. The upcoming missions will include both Isro-led and independent research projects.Space Missions Don’t Need Justification
However, Pandey remains cautious. Operating in Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem presents logistical and environmental challenges. Sustainability, he insists, will guide Protoplanet’s expansion strategy.
A New Narrative for Space Exploration
Space Missions Don’t Need Justification India sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Protoplanet is quietly building the scientific backbone required for such ambitions. Pandey’s message is clear: space exploration should not need justification through cost comparisons, but recognition as a driver of innovation, resilience, and human progress.
With initiatives like HOPE, India’s journey into deep space is no longer just about launches—it’s about preparation, people, and purpose.
