Synopsis
On March 9, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the vital role of aerospace medicine, highlighting its importance in addressing challenges like micro-gravity, radiation, and isolation faced by humans in space. He called for enhanced R&D in this field during his visit to the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bengaluru.Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh advocates for aerospace medicine.
- Emphasis on addressing challenges in space such as micro-gravity.
- Increased need for R&D in aerospace medicine.
- India's growing aviation market necessitates advanced research.
- Launch of research project on space psychology.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the critical role of aerospace medicine on Sunday, noting its significance in addressing issues such as micro-gravity, radiation, and the isolation experienced by humans in outer space.
“Whether it pertains to neurological issues, bones deterioration, or mental health concerns, it is the duty of aerospace and space medicine to confront these challenges. The discipline must gear up for even greater responsibilities in the future,” he stated during his visit to the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru.
Rajnath Singh, the first Defence Minister to tour the institute, received insights about IAM's unique contributions to pilot training, medical evaluations, and aeromedical research.
The Defence Minister pointed out the increasing demand for expertise in aerospace medicine due to the rising air and space traffic.
“From a defence viewpoint, space has evolved into a crucial battlefield. We have progressed in this area and have mastered cutting-edge technologies like anti-satellite systems,” he remarked.
He noted that India has emerged as the world's fastest-growing aviation market. “As we reach new heights in space, it is essential to delve deeper into aerospace medicine. Enhanced R&D is necessary, as research in any sophisticated technology can yield benefits across various fields,” he added.
During his visit, Rajnath Singh examined the Dynamic Flight Simulator and High Performance Human Centrifuge, which are employed for high-G training of fighter pilots, as well as the Spatial Disorientation Simulator, designed to train armed forces pilots to mitigate the risk of spatial disorientation during flight.
He also inaugurated the Indian Council of Medical Research Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research at the institute, titled ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions’.
Accompanying the Defence Minister were Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Director General Medical Services (Air) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, and other senior IAF officers during the visit.
