Rajnath Singh has become first-ever Defence Minister to visit Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Indian Air Force (IAF), in Bengaluru, Karnataka. During his visit, he was briefed on the institute’s critical role in pilot training, aeromedical evaluation, and aerospace research.
Key Highlights of Visit
Launch of ICMR Research Project:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research was launched at IAM.
- The project is titled “Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions.”
- It will focus on astronaut training, selection, and mental health preparedness for future Indian space missions.
Inspection of Advanced Aerospace Medical Facilities:
- Dynamic Flight Simulator & High-Performance Human Centrifuge: Used for high-G training of fighter pilots.
- Spatial Disorientation Simulator: Helps train armed forces pilots to counter spatial disorientation risks during flight.
Focus on Aerospace R&D:
- Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for increased research and development (R&D) to tackle aerospace challenges.
- He highlighted the growing importance of aerospace medicine due to increasing air and space travel activities.
About Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), IAF
- Established on May 29, 1957, originally as the School of Aviation Medicine under Wing Commander R. Arunachalam.
- Renamed as Institute of Aviation Medicine in 1968 due to its expanded role.
- Officially became the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) and serves as the hub for aerospace medicine activities in India.
- Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Core Functions of IAM
- Training Aviation Medicine Specialists for the Armed Forces.
- Indoctrination of Aircrew into Aviation Medicine.
- Conducting Aeromedical Research to address flight-related health issues.
- Collaborating with HAL on aeromedical aspects of aircraft design and development.
Historical Significance
- On July 19, 1957, the No. 1 Aero Medical Unit was shifted to Bangalore, incorporating a Mobile Decompression Chamber for pilot training, research, and evaluation.
- IAM has played a key role in addressing medical challenges in aerospace missions, including microgravity, radiation effects, bone loss, and neurological disorders.