Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, made history on March 09, 2025, by being the first to visit the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This visit was a significant milestone in acknowledging the importance of aerospace medicine in India’s defence and aviation fields.
During his time at the institute, Shri Rajnath Singh received a briefing on IAM’s vital contributions to pilot training, aeromedical research, and the medical assessment of Air Force personnel. He also inaugurated a key research project and highlighted the increasing demand for expertise in space medicine as India progresses in both air and space exploration.
Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) – A Hub for Aeromedical Research
The Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) is a premier institute under the Indian Air Force, dedicated to research and training in the field of aerospace medicine. The institute plays a crucial role in ensuring the physiological and psychological well-being of fighter pilots and astronauts.
During his visit, the Raksha Mantri received a comprehensive overview of IAM’s research initiatives and medical assessment programs tailored for fighter pilots. The institute provides specialized aeromedical training to ensure that Air Force personnel are thoroughly equipped for high-altitude, high-speed flight operations.
Inspection of Advanced Aerospace Training Facilities
Shri Rajnath Singh inspected IAM’s advanced training simulators, which are crucial for improving the skills of Indian fighter pilots. He explored the following facilities:
• Dynamic Flight Simulator & High-Performance Human Centrifuge: This equipment is designed for high-G training, enabling fighter pilots to endure the extreme gravitational forces they face during aerial combat.
• Spatial Disorientation Simulator: This system helps pilots learn to manage the effects of spatial disorientation, a condition that can lead to accidents if not properly addressed.
These simulators are vital for preparing IAF pilots for combat situations and boosting their physical and mental endurance during high-altitude missions.
Launch of Space Psychology Research Project
A key highlight of the visit was the launch of a major research initiative – the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research. The project, titled ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions’, will focus on the following aspects:
- Psychological selection of astronauts for Indian space missions.
- Behavioral health training to prepare astronauts for the mental and emotional challenges of space travel.
- Research on psychological resilience, isolation effects, and stress management during long-duration space missions.
