AIIMS Delhi and ISRO Sign MoU: India Takes a Giant Leap into Space Medicine Research

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organisation to advance research in space medicine, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s human spaceflight programme. The collaboration aims to combine medical expertise with space science to better understand how space environments affect the human body and to support astronauts participating in future missions.

The agreement was formally signed on Monday in New Delhi by M. Srinivas and Dinesh Kumar Singh. The signing ceremony was attended by V. Narayanan along with senior faculty members, researchers, and officials from both institutions. The partnership highlights the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation as India expands its ambitions in human space exploration.

Under the agreement, AIIMS and ISRO will jointly conduct both ground-based and space-based research in the field of space medicine. Key areas of study will include human physiology, cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity conditions, microbiome and immunology, genomics, biomarkers, and behavioural health. These studies are expected to improve understanding of how prolonged exposure to space environments impacts the human body.

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Speaking at the event, AIIMS Director M. Srinivas described the collaboration as a major milestone that could accelerate India’s research capabilities in space medicine. He said the partnership would provide what he called the “escape velocity” needed for both institutions to jointly explore new scientific frontiers. Srinivas added that the outcomes of such research could benefit not only astronauts but also patients and medical science more broadly on Earth.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reflected on the remarkable evolution of India’s space programme during his address. He recalled that in its early days, rockets and equipment were transported using bicycles and bullock carts, highlighting the humble beginnings of the country’s space efforts. Over the decades, the programme has transformed into a globally recognised force in space technology and exploration.

Officials said the new collaboration could significantly strengthen India’s biomedical and technological capabilities as the country advances its human spaceflight initiatives. The event also featured a presentation on AIIMS’ existing work in space medicine by Professor K. K. Deepak, a former head of the institute’s physiology department. The ceremony concluded with the ISRO chairman visiting the Multidisciplinary Centre Block at AIIMS, where ongoing research initiatives were showcased.

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