Aditya Pandya Becomes India’s Youngest Male Analog Astronaut

Seventeen-year-old Aditya Pandya has become India’s youngest male analog astronaut after successfully completing a lunar-habitat-inspired mission conducted by AAKA Space Studio. The mission, designed to simulate Moon-like isolation and autonomous operations, was carried out from February 1 to 8 in the white plains of Dholavira in Kutch, marking a milestone in India’s emerging analog space research ecosystem.

Lunar analog mission in Dholavira

AAKA Space Studio, a registered ISRO Space Tutor, conducted the mission to replicate the physical, psychological, and operational constraints of future planetary habitats. A four-member analog astronaut crew lived in strict isolation inside a container-based lunar analog habitat for the entire duration. The mission focused on long-duration confinement, crew autonomy, system reliability, and human–machine interaction under simulated Moon conditions.

Young astronaut with a dual technical role

Among the crew was Aditya Pandya, who also served as the lead for hardware, Internet of Things, and habitat intelligence systems. Over the six months preceding the mission, he was involved in building and integrating the core technology stack. His responsibilities included environmental sensor modules, astronaut biometric monitoring systems, embedded safety hardware, real-time telemetry, and modular components developed through 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

Digital twin and autonomous habitat systems

The lunar analog habitat incorporated a digital twin framework, enabling real-time synchronisation between the physical habitat and mission control. This allowed continuous monitoring of crew health, environmental conditions, and system performance, along with detailed post-mission analysis. Aditya validated the systems he helped engineer while residing inside the habitat, testing them under real operational stress during the nine-day mission.

Important Facts for Exams

• Analog astronaut missions simulate space conditions on Earth.
• Dholavira is located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
• Digital twin technology enables real-time system monitoring.
• AAKA Space Studio is a registered ISRO Space Tutor.

Strengthening India’s analog space research ecosystem

According to AAKA Space Studio, the mission aims to integrate engineering, simulation science, and experiential astronaut training in line with future human spaceflight and planetary habitation goals. Aditya Pandya’s dual role as system architect and analog astronaut reflects a new model of space training, where young engineers actively design, test, and inhabit technologies intended for extraterrestrial exploration.