India’s journey in aerospace medicine has entered an exciting new phase with ISRO’s recent partnership with Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST). On April 26, ISRO announced the signing of the ‘Framework Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Space Medicine’ with SCTIMST a significant milestone for the future of human spaceflight and space medicine research in the country.
This recent MoU adds to ISRO’s active efforts to expand collaborative networks. Earlier in April, ISRO also signed an MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to enhance disaster management and waterbody protection around Hyderabad.
The Roots of Aerospace Medicine in India
India’s history with aerospace medicine dates back to the early 1940s. Recognizing the unique challenges of flight, the Indian Air Force (IAF) established its Medical Services in 1942 and soon after founded the first aeromedical center in Pune. By 1945, the Indian Air Force School of Aviation Medicine was set up in Bangalore to formalize training and research in aviation medicine.
A pivotal figure in these developments was Dr. Rustom Jal Vakil, often regarded as the father of aerospace medicine in India. Dr. Vakil’s groundbreaking work in space physiology laid the foundation for India’s foray into this specialized field. In 1962, his vision led to the establishment of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bangalore a premier center dedicated to research, training, and clinical aerospace medicine.
The Wings of Aerospace Medicine in India
Today, aerospace medicine in India is a thriving field, with several organizations engaged in advanced research and application. The Indian Air Force continues to operate its Aeromedical Center in Bangalore, offering specialized care for aircrew and contributing significantly to research.
The IAM conducts extensive work in aerospace physiology, psychology, and environmental medicine and is involved in training aircrew, doctors, and researchers. Other important institutions, such as the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), also play key roles in pushing the boundaries of aerospace medicine research.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite notable progress, the field still faces challenges. Public awareness about aerospace medicine remains limited, and there is a shortage of trained specialists and state-of-the-art facilities. Nevertheless, recognizing its strategic importance, the government has been increasingly supportive, introducing policies to foster research, training, and collaboration.
With programs like Gaganyaan and upcoming projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India stands at the cusp of becoming a significant player in human spaceflight and aerospace medical research globally.
Space Medicine: A New Frontier
Space medicine a subspecialty of emergency medicine has evolved from the broader field of aerospace medicine. Focused on the prevention and treatment of medical conditions that may arise during space missions, space medicine encompasses preventive care, acute emergency response, wilderness and austere medicine, hyper/hypobaric medicine, and toxicology.
Astronauts face numerous challenges, including exposure to G-forces, microgravity, altered atmospheric pressures, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and cosmic radiation. Space medicine addresses these risks by applying knowledge from multiple medical disciplines, ensuring astronaut health and mission success. It also informs the design of spacecraft systems to minimize health risks.
Another crucial domain is astronautical hygiene, which focuses on preventing exposure to hazards that could cause ill health in space. Medical consequences such as bone loss and visual impairment have already been associated with human spaceflight, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
In October 2015, the NASA Office of Inspector General issued a health hazards report specifically addressing the risks of deep-space missions, including human missions to Mars, further underlining the critical role of space medicine.
Aerospace and space medicine form the backbone of human exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries. India’s strong legacy, combined with its current momentum as reflected in ISRO’s collaborations positions the country to make significant contributions to global space medicine efforts. Continued investment, research, and awareness are key to ensuring that Indian aerospace medicine not only flies but soars in the years to come.
