PGIMER, IIT Ropar and ISRO Plan Microgravity Research Laboratory to Advance India’s Human Spaceflight Medicine

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is advancing plans for a specialised microgravity simulation laboratory in collaboration with researchers associated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar. The proposed facility will investigate how conditions resembling those experienced during spaceflight affect human physiology, nutrition and the microorganisms living inside the human body.

Reported on October 13, 2026, the initiative forms part of India’s expanding research activities in space medicine as the country prepares for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The laboratory is proposed to be established at either PGIMER Chandigarh or IIT Ropar, bringing together medical researchers, engineers and space scientists to examine the biological challenges associated with human space exploration.

A major focus of the research will be understanding how prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity affects the human gut microbiome, metabolic processes and nutritional requirements. Scientists intend to use specialised ground-based experimental facilities to study physiological changes and develop dietary strategies that could help protect astronaut health during future missions.

PGIMER and IIT Ropar Prepare Specialised Facility for Microgravity Research

The proposed laboratory will provide researchers with facilities to investigate how the human body responds when normal gravitational loading is reduced. Such research is important because astronauts experience substantial physiological changes during spaceflight, including reductions in muscle strength, alterations in bone metabolism, changes in cardiovascular function and disturbances in normal fluid distribution.

Professor S. K. Bhadada of PGIMER, a co-principal investigator associated with the research programme, confirmed that a specialised bed designed for simulated microgravity studies had already been purchased. The equipment will allow researchers to study healthy volunteers under controlled conditions intended to reproduce selected physiological effects of spaceflight.

The laboratory will employ ground-based simulation methods to investigate the responses of different biological systems. Researchers plan to collect and analyse biological samples from volunteers to examine changes associated with prolonged unloading and restricted movement.

The proposed facility will strengthen the infrastructure available for interdisciplinary space medicine research in India. PGIMER’s clinical expertise, IIT Ropar’s engineering capabilities and ISRO’s experience in human spaceflight research provide complementary foundations for developing specialised experimental programmes.

Specialised Bed-Rest Experiments Will Simulate Selected Effects of Microgravity

One of the principal methods used in ground-based space medicine research is prolonged bed-rest simulation. This approach allows scientists to examine several physiological changes that resemble those observed in astronauts without requiring participants to travel into space.

In particular, head-down tilt bed-rest studies can reproduce selected effects of reduced gravitational loading, including changes in fluid distribution, muscle activity and cardiovascular regulation. Participants remain under carefully controlled conditions while researchers monitor physiological responses over a specified period.

The technique does not eliminate Earth’s gravity or reproduce every aspect of orbital microgravity. Instead, it provides an experimentally useful model for studying how the body responds to prolonged unloading and inactivity.

Researchers can use these experiments to investigate changes in muscle function, bone metabolism, blood circulation, hormonal activity and other biological processes. The studies also allow scientists to evaluate interventions intended to reduce adverse physiological effects.

The PGIMER-linked research programme is particularly interested in nutritional responses and changes in the microorganisms inhabiting the digestive system. Understanding these processes can help scientists identify dietary approaches suited to the unusual physiological conditions experienced during spaceflight.

Gut Microbiome Research Could Help Develop Specialised Astronaut Nutrition

The human digestive system contains trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms contribute to digestion, nutrient metabolism, immune regulation and several other biological functions.

Changes in diet, physical activity, sleep patterns and environmental conditions can influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. Spaceflight introduces additional physiological challenges that may alter the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and their human hosts.

Researchers associated with the proposed laboratory intend to study how simulated microgravity conditions influence microbial communities within the digestive system. Biological samples collected from volunteers will help identify changes in microbial composition and associated metabolic processes.

The findings could contribute to the development of dietary strategies tailored to the requirements of Indian astronauts. Such strategies may involve adjusting nutritional composition to support digestive health, maintain metabolic balance and reduce physiological deterioration during prolonged missions.

Space nutrition requires careful consideration because astronauts operate within environments where food storage, preparation, availability and waste management differ substantially from conditions on Earth. Diets must provide adequate energy and essential nutrients while remaining compatible with spacecraft storage limitations and mission requirements.

Research into the gut microbiome adds another dimension to this challenge by examining how food and intestinal microorganisms interact under altered physiological conditions.

PGIMER, IIT Ropar and CFTRI Collaborate on Space Nutrition Research

The proposed laboratory forms part of a broader research collaboration involving PGIMER Chandigarh, IIT Ropar, ISRO and the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru. The participating institutions bring together expertise in clinical medicine, food science, biotechnology, engineering and human spaceflight research.

CFTRI’s expertise in food technology and nutritional science is particularly relevant to developing diets for astronauts. Space missions require food systems that maintain nutritional quality and safety while remaining suitable for storage and consumption under unusual environmental conditions.

IIT Ropar’s involvement strengthens the engineering and technological aspects of the programme. Research involving physiological monitoring, experimental instrumentation and data analysis requires collaboration between medical professionals and engineering specialists.

PGIMER contributes clinical research capabilities, including expertise in metabolic disorders, endocrinology and human physiology. These disciplines are relevant to investigating how prolonged changes in physical activity and gravitational loading affect biological processes.

The collaboration aims to connect laboratory observations with practical nutritional approaches that can support astronaut health during India’s future human spaceflight missions.

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Programme Creates New Opportunities for Space Medicine

Gaganyaan is India’s indigenous human spaceflight programme, developed by ISRO to establish the country’s capability to transport astronauts into space and return them safely to Earth.

The programme involves the development of a human-rated launch vehicle, crew module, life-support systems, emergency escape mechanisms and operational infrastructure for human spaceflight.

Alongside spacecraft and launch vehicle development, astronaut health represents a fundamental component of mission safety. Human spaceflight requires an understanding of how astronauts respond to acceleration, altered gravity, confinement, workload and other environmental conditions.

Microgravity can influence multiple physiological systems because the human body evolved under Earth’s gravitational conditions. During orbital flight, reduced mechanical loading affects muscles and bones, while changes in fluid distribution influence cardiovascular regulation.

Space medicine research seeks to understand these responses and develop measures that help astronauts maintain physical and mental performance throughout their missions.

The planned PGIMER research facility will contribute to this field by investigating biological responses through controlled ground-based experiments. Its findings could support the development of Indian expertise in astronaut nutrition, physiological monitoring and medical countermeasures.

Space Med Talks Brings Astronauts, Doctors and Researchers Together

The laboratory proposal received attention during the inaugural session of Space Med Talks, a webinar series launched on October 12, 2026, to encourage scientific discussions on space medicine and human spaceflight.

The inaugural programme featured Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Group Captain Angad Pratap, who shared insights into astronaut preparation, physical conditioning and the operational demands of space missions.

The discussion covered aspects of astronaut training, hydration, spacecraft systems and the challenges of maintaining human performance during demanding missions.

The event attracted more than 500 registrations from students, researchers and professionals across India. Participants included representatives associated with IITs, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and medical research institutions.

The participation of researchers from different scientific disciplines demonstrated growing interest in the biological and medical dimensions of India’s space programme.

The webinar series also provides an opportunity for students and young researchers to interact with specialists working in aerospace medicine, biotechnology, nutrition and human spaceflight operations.

ISRO Expands National Research Capabilities in Microgravity Science

The PGIMER initiative complements ISRO’s broader efforts to develop a national ecosystem for microgravity research.

On July 15, 2026, ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre organised the first National Workshop on Microgravity Research at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru. More than 270 delegates participated, representing academic institutions, national laboratories, industries, startups and ISRO centres.

The workshop examined scientific opportunities arising from India’s human spaceflight programme, including research in space biotechnology, human physiology, materials science, manufacturing and biological processes under microgravity conditions.

Participants also discussed experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 mission and opportunities under the Indian Microgravity Experiments initiative, iMEx-2026.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasised the importance of establishing a collaborative microgravity research ecosystem capable of supporting future human spaceflight missions while delivering scientific and technological benefits.

The workshop reflected a broader shift towards involving Indian universities, research laboratories and private enterprises in experiments that can be conducted in space or through ground-based simulations.

The proposed PGIMER laboratory fits within this expanding national research framework by concentrating on human physiology and biomedical investigations.

ISRO and AIIMS Strengthen Space Medicine Collaboration

India’s growing focus on space medicine is also reflected in ISRO’s collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

On March 10, 2026, ISRO and AIIMS signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding to advance research into astronaut health, performance and safety during human space missions.

The collaboration covers human physiology, behavioural health, immunology, gut microbiome research, neuroscience, nutrition, metabolic health and the effects of microgravity on muscles and bones.

Researchers will also investigate infectious disease control and medical countermeasures for protecting human health during extended exposure to the space environment.

The agreement supports research relevant to future missions, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and longer-duration human spaceflight.

These activities complement the proposed PGIMER research programme by expanding the number of Indian institutions contributing expertise to human space medicine.

Together, such collaborations can help establish a stronger domestic scientific foundation for astronaut healthcare, biological monitoring and medical technology development.

Microgravity Research Could Benefit Healthcare on Earth

Research into the physiological effects of simulated microgravity can also contribute to medical knowledge relevant to patients on Earth.

Prolonged bed rest and reduced physical activity can affect muscle strength, bone density, circulation and metabolic regulation. Similar challenges occur among patients experiencing extended hospitalisation or restricted mobility.

Studying these changes under carefully controlled conditions can improve researchers’ understanding of physical deconditioning and the biological consequences of inactivity.

Microgravity-related investigations into muscle wasting and bone metabolism may contribute to research on rehabilitation and age-related physical decline. Studies involving cardiovascular regulation can also provide insights into how the body adapts to changes in posture and physical activity.

Gut microbiome research offers additional opportunities to understand the relationship between nutrition, metabolism and intestinal microorganisms.

The development of specialised nutritional interventions for astronauts may therefore produce knowledge relevant to clinical nutrition and other areas of healthcare.

These potential benefits illustrate the wider scientific value of space medicine research beyond its immediate applications in human spaceflight.

India Builds Indigenous Expertise for Future Human Space Missions

The proposed microgravity simulation laboratory represents an important development in India’s efforts to establish specialised capabilities in human spaceflight medicine.

By combining clinical research at PGIMER with engineering expertise from IIT Ropar and space science capabilities associated with ISRO, the initiative will support investigations into biological processes that influence astronaut health.

Its initial emphasis on gut microbiome changes and nutritional responses addresses an important aspect of human adaptation to simulated space conditions.

The programme also complements national research activities involving AIIMS, CFTRI and other scientific institutions, strengthening collaboration across medicine, engineering, biotechnology and space science.

As India advances its Gaganyaan programme and develops capabilities for longer-duration human spaceflight, understanding the physiological requirements of astronauts will become increasingly important.

The proposed facility will contribute to this growing scientific effort while supporting the development of indigenous expertise in space nutrition, physiological monitoring and biomedical research. It represents another step towards building a comprehensive Indian space medicine ecosystem capable of supporting future generations of astronauts and advancing scientific knowledge of human health.

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References

1. Indian Space Research Organisation. First National Workshop on Microgravity Research. July 19, 2026.
   https://new1.isro.gov.in/First_National_Workshop_on_Microgravity_Research.html
2. Indian Space Research Organisation. ISRO and AIIMS New Delhi Sign Framework Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Space Medicine and Research. March 10, 2026.
   https://www.isro.gov.in/ISRO_AIIMS_NewDelhi_signs_Framework_Memorandum.html
3. News 7 World. PGIMER and SHe in Space Host Webinar on Space Medicine with Gaganyaan Astronaut-Designate Group Captain Angad Pratap. October 12, 2026.
   https://news7world.com/pgimer-and-she-in-space-host-webinar-on-space-medicine-with-gaganyaan-astronaut-designate-group-captain-angad-pratap/

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