Mahindra Thar Roxx And Scorpio-N Join ISRO For Ladakh Expedition
If you are a space, Mahindra, and adventure enthusiast, then you'll enjoy what has recently been done by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and Mahindra Automotive. Protoplanet, which is a Bengaluru-based organisation that conducts analogue space missions and is a registered space tutor with ISRO, has partnered with Mahindra Automotive to organise an expedition in Ladakh that simulates Moon- and Mars-like conditions.
Mahindra Thar ROXX and Scorpio-N on Mars
Protoplanet and Mahindra Automotive organised an expedition that took place at HOPE (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration), located in Ladakh. For those who may not be aware, HOPE replicates Moon- and Mars-like conditions, which served as the base for this expedition. Basically, Protoplanet organised an analogue mission in Ladakh.
Now, for those who may be wondering what an analogue mission is — it is a simulated space mission conducted on Earth in an environment that mimics the conditions of outer space and planets. Its main purpose is to train people like astronauts, scientists, and engineers and also test new technologies and procedures for real space missions in a safe and controlled manner.
Why did Mahindra join hands with Protoplanet?
As the location of HOPE is in Ladakh, not many vehicles can meet the needs of the people travelling to the remote location. This is where the Mahindra Thar ROXX and the Scorpio-N helped. Both of these SUVs are capable of driving on harsh terrains due to their 4X4 systems. These SUVs were used by the people who participated in the expedition.
Details of the Ladakh HOPE expedition
The Protoplanet- and Mahindra-organised expedition commenced on 30th July and concluded on 6th August. During this expedition, the participants travelled across Ladakh — Saboo, Likir, Tso Kar, Puga, and Leh. As for the activities done, they included acclimatization and medical orientation for high-altitude conditions and off-road drives across Tanglang La and dry lake beds.
They also performed stargazing and dark sky conservation workshops, pottery sessions, and cultural immersion with Ladakhi artisans. Additionally, scientific explorations led by global experts in astrobiology, geology, and planetary sciences also took place during the expedition.
The expedition, named “Between Two Worlds,” also intuitively involved its participants walking with planetary scientists and learning how to explore alien worlds. They also camped under Ladakh’s dark skies as part of the International Dark Sky Movement. Participants also visited glacial lakes and hot springs.
Mahindra Scorpio-N and Thar ROXX
As mentioned, the vehicles utilized for the expedition included the Mahindra Thar ROXX and Scorpio-N. The Thar ROXX comes equipped with 4Xplor, which is a dedicated off-road system offering an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD), terrain modes, Crawl Smart, Intelli-turn Assist, and others.
On the other hand, the Mahindra Scorpio-N comes with the 4Xplor Terrain Management System, which includes features like terrain modes — Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. It also gets a mechanical locking differential for the rear axle and an electronic brake-locking differential, pentalink rear suspension, Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD), and MTV-CL Dampers.
The Mahindra Thar ROXX starts at Rs 12.99 lakh for the base MX1 variant and goes up to Rs 23.29 lakh for the AX7L variant. As for the Scorpio-N, it starts at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base Z2 variant, and the top-of-the-line Z8L variant is priced at Rs 25.42 lakh.