IAF launches project on space psychology to study health & behaviour of astronauts-OxBig News Network

In the backdrop of India actively pursuing a manned space programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a project on space psychology to undertake research on health and behavioural issues of astronauts.

The project, titled ‘Space psychology: Selection and behavioural health training of astronauts and astronaut designates for Indian space missions’ was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The study of health, behaviour and psychological aspects of astronauts also assumes significance in light of two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Willmore, being stranded in space onboard the International Space Station (ISS) for about nine months. Staying in confined spaces in a micro-gravity environment with restricted movements and diet, high radiation levels and lack of human interface impacts the human body and mind.

As part of the Gaganyaan project, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) envisions to launch Indian astronauts into space in 2026, to be followed by a manned Indian space station by 2035 and a human landing on the Moon by 2040.

The IAF has selected four experienced fighter pilots, all of the rank of Group Captain, to train as astronauts, with distinct uniforms, logos and patches. Amongst them, Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected to be part of the 16-day joint India-US mission to the ISS later this year, with Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup.

So far, only one Indian has travelled into space, an IAF officer, Wg Cdr Rakesh Sharma, who flew the Soviet Soyuz T-11 rocket in April 1984. Another officer, Wg Cdr Ravish Malhotra had trained alongside Wg Cdr Sharma as part of the Soyuz mission, but as only one Indian could travel with the Soviet crew, he became the back-up.

Another Indian is scheduled to travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere as a space tourist in May this year. A Vijaywada born, US-based entrepreneur and pilot, Gopichand Thotakura (30), is expected to be part of a six-member crew of the American Blue Origin NS-25 sub-orbital mission.

Since he has retained his Indian citizenship, he would become the second Indian national and the first Indian civilian to go into space. Besides Williams, Kalpana Chawla, Raja Chari and Sirisha Bandla are among Indian-origin foreign citizens to have travelled to space.

The IAM, the only institute of its kind in the county dealing with the medical standards for military aircrew, has been closely involved with ISRO’s manned space programme, being associated with the crew selection process, aero-medical training, survival methodology and other research aspects.

During this visit to the IAM, Rajnath highlighted the growing need for expertise in aerospace medicine in view of the continuous increase in air and space traffic. “From the defence perspective, 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,” he said.

“As we are touching new heights in space, we need to explore more possibilities in aerospace medicine. There is a need for increased R&D as research in any high-end complex technology provides benefits to many fields,” he added.

Aerospace medicine is 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 IAM is providing aero-medical consultancy in various aspects of crew module design and development. Its contribution in cockpit design is noteworthy. It has also contributed significantly in the design and development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Combat Aircraft, besides providing advice in the design and development of the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.