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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its Extramural Research Project, has set up a dedicated Centre for Advanced Research on Space Psychology. This is a crucial aspect of space psychology and human spaceflight, ensuring that astronauts are both physically and mentally prepared for the extreme conditions of space as the county is working for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed space mission, expected to be launched in 2026.
In fact, ICMR in Bengaluru supports extramural research projects through various schemes, including Investigator Initiated Research Proposals with small and intermediate grants. The Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) proposals, focuses on key health issues and promoting biomedical research.
The country’s aerospace sector is on a growth path. It plays crucial role in deciding technological advancements, national security, and economic growth. In addition, it will be central in achieving milestones such as satellite launching, inter-planetary missions and commercial space services.
In an effort to strengthen space research through the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh, who inaugurated the Centre for Advanced Research on Space Psychology here, highlighted the growing need for expertise in aerospace medicine in view of the continuous increase in air and space traffic.
To this end, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru in pilot training, their medical evaluation and aeromedical research now has a project titled ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions’.
From a defence perspective, the space has emerged as a major domain in warfare. We have taken a step forward in this direction and mastered the most-advanced technologies such as anti-satellite. India has also become the fastest growing aviation market in the world. As we are touching new heights in space, we need to explore more possibilities in aerospace medicine. There is a need for increased research as any high-end complex technology provides benefits to many fields,” Singh said.
Underscoring the importance of aerospace medicine, terming it as critical for dealing with challenges such as micro-gravity, radiation, and isolation faced by a human being in space, while also addressing physical and mental changes, the Defence Minister said. “Whether it is an issue related to neurons, bone loss or mental problems, it is the responsibility of aerospace and space medicine to tackle these challenges. The field must prepare itself for bigger responsibilities in the future”.
Apart from aerospace medicine, IAM provides aero-medical consultancy in various aspects of crew module design and development. Its contribution in cockpit design is noteworthy. The institute has contributed significantly in the design and development of Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. It is also providing advice in the design and development of the country's most-modern Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
This is where aviation medicine with its new Centre for Advanced Research on Space Psychology is positioned to be the support health training of astronauts and astronaut designates for Indian space missions. This is a crucial aspect of space psychology and human spaceflight, ensuring that astronauts are both physically and mentally prepared for the extreme conditions of space.
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