ICMR strengthens aviation medicine with new Centre for Space Psychology

The ICMR will soon establish a Centre for Advanced Research on Space Psychology through its Extramural Research Project. It will harness mental and physiological preparedness for astronauts to enable them to withstand extreme conditions of outer space in support of India's Gaganyaan mission, the first-ever crewed space mission that is projected to be launched in 2026.

It is part of the Extramural Research framework of ICMR, which enables the conduct of biomedical research funded by various programs, inclusive of Investigator Initiated Research Proposals and Centre for Advanced Research initiatives.

One momentous event after the other, the Indian aerospace industry is prospering and gathering pace to achieve technological advances along with national security and economic development. To achieve goals of satellite launches, interplanetary missions, and commercial space services, it thus does play a very important role.

In a bid to enhance the area of research in space, the Centre was inaugurated at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with addressing the increasingly essential domain of expertise in aerospace medicine with the rising demands on air and space traffic.

"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", he added.

IAM is a leading institution engaged in aero-medical consultancy and contributing to crew module designs and cockpit ergonomics. The institute has played an instrumental role in the development of many indigenous aircraft, namely the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter, and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

The institute also acts in an advisory capacity for the design and development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, added to enhance India's capability in aviation.

Support for the health and training of astronauts for future missions will depend on the new Centre for Space Psychology. It would cater to any required psycho-physical preparation, culminating in a highly technically efficient human space program, thus promising to place India on par with those of advanced space-faring nations in space exploration and to further propel research in aerospace medicine.