India Aims to Become Global Hub for Space Medicine
India is on a clear trajectory to establish itself as a global hub for space medicine, according to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished astronaut and Indian Air Force fighter pilot. Speaking at the Goa Book Festival on Friday, Shukla, a recent recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, outlined an ambitious vision for the nation's role in this cutting-edge field.
Self-Reliance in Space Healthcare
"Space medicine will be a major discipline in India within the next five to ten years," Shukla declared emphatically. "We will no longer need to travel to the United States for space medicine expertise. We will develop and conduct it right here in India." This statement underscores a strategic shift towards self-reliance and indigenous capability building in an area traditionally dominated by a few nations.
International Research and the ISS
Shukla highlighted ongoing international research efforts, particularly studies conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These include critical investigations into cancer and various other medical conditions that benefit from the unique microgravity environment of space. He specifically referenced the CLIO programme, a dedicated space medicine research initiative currently active on the ISS, in which members of his own mission have participated.
"All aspects of space medicine are going to open up in our country," he asserted. "Developments in this sphere are expected to accelerate very rapidly over the coming decade."
Integrating Experience into Gaganyaan
Regarding India's landmark Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space and ensure their safe return, Shukla explained his pivotal role. "My responsibility is to integrate the experience I have gained into our overall mission plan," he stated. "This is to guarantee that every action we take is safe, secure, and utterly reliable for our crew."
A Sustained Human Spaceflight Program
Shukla emphasized that India's human spaceflight ambitions extend far beyond a single, symbolic mission. "This is not a one-time endeavor where we simply go to space and return," he clarified. "We have a comprehensive, long-term strategy to sustain this program for the future, progressively moving towards more complex and efficient missions."
According to the Group Captain, the long-term vision for India's space exploration includes:
- Establishing a schedule of regular crewed launches.
- Perfecting safe and reliable return procedures.
- The gradual implementation of increasingly advanced human spaceflight capabilities.
This forward-looking approach positions space medicine not just as a supporting field, but as a cornerstone of India's sustained presence and scientific leadership in space exploration.
