Running from 2 to 9 April 2026, the mission involves the four Gaganyatris and ground teams performing in a simulated environment under high-altitude stress at 3,500 metres.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan inaugurated the mission virtually on 2 April.

Mission MITRA, which stands for Mapping of Interoperable Traits & Reliability Assessment, is being conducted in Ladakh, known for its freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and isolated terrain.

The four astronauts, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and P Balakrishnan Nair, arrived in Leh earlier this week to acclimatise, supported by scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and psychologists.

The mission was designed by ISRO and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine of the Indian Air Force.

Unlike conventional spacecraft training, Mission Mitra emphasises the human aspect-psychological resilience, team dynamics, and behavioural endurance required for space travel.

The exercise will focus on communication, psychological resilience, decision-making and the coordination between the Gaganyatris and the Ground Control teams.

Researchers are tracking real-time responses to cold, hypoxia, and prolonged isolation while testing communication between field crews and support teams.

Mission MITRA represents the latest in a series of analogue missions conducted by ISRO.

In November 2024, ISRO conducted the Ladakh Human Analogue Mission (LHAM), followed by the Anugami ten-day isolation study with a Gaganyatri in July 2025.

In August 2025, ISRO conducted the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) analogue mission at Tso Kar Valley in Ladakh, at an altitude of 4,530 metres.

Insights from Mission Mitra are expected to shape future Indian spaceflights, especially longer-duration missions in orbit or beyond, supporting India's Gaganyaan programme scheduled for 2027.

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