The Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), a Delhi-based research lab under the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), hosted an important conference on the Biological Effects of Space Radiation and Human Space Missions. This three-day event, held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi from February 27 to March 1, 2025, brought together professionals from various scientific fields to discuss the challenges astronauts face due to space radiation and possible solutions to protect their health.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, startedthe conference as the Chief Guest. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, attended as the Guest of Honour.
In his speech, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood praised INMAS for organizing the important event and showcasing the risks space radiation posed for astronauts on long missions to the public. He acknowledged INMAS's research efforts in finding ways to counter these challenges.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat showed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing space radiation concerns. He stated that the conference served as a valuable platform for radiobiologists, physicists, engineers, and medical researchers to exchange ideas. He stressed that working together was key to developing advanced technologies and protective measures to ensure astronauts' safety in space.
He also pointed out that space exploration was becoming increasingly important, with long-term human presence on the International Space Station (ISS) and lunar missions proving that life could be sustained in space. Dr. Kamat expressed confidence that with the right protective strategies, India could safeguard astronauts and prepare for future deep-space missions, including potential human expeditions to Mars and beyond.
The conference included discussions on various topics related to the Biological Effects of Space Radiation, such as identifying biomarkers of exposure, long-term health effects, radiation chemistry, medical solutions, muscle and bone loss, degenerative diseases, and cognitive impact.
With experts from different fields sharing their knowledge, the event played a crucial role in developing effective strategies to reduce the harmful effects of space radiation and ensure astronaut well-being on extended space missions. (PR)