New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – The Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), a premier Delhi-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has inaugurated the International Radiobiology Conference on Biological Effects of Space Radiation, Heavy Ions, and Human Space Missions at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi.

The conference, scheduled from February 27 to March 1, 2025, brings together leading experts in radiobiology, physics, space medicine, and biomedical engineering to discuss the impact of space radiation on astronauts and potential countermeasures to ensure their safety during long-term space missions.

The event was formally inaugurated by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, who was the Chief Guest. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman, DRDO, attended as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the Challenges of Space Radiation

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood emphasized the importance of understanding and mitigating the effects of space radiation. He pointed out that one of the biggest risks of human spaceflight is cosmic radiation exposure, which can lead to severe health effects such as DNA damage, cancer risks, neurological disorders, and bone density loss.

“With the increasing ambition of space agencies worldwide to establish sustainable human presence on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it is crucial to develop effective biomedical countermeasures. This conference is a major step towards advancing our understanding of space radiation effects and exploring new technologies to safeguard astronauts," said Prof. Sood.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat reiterated the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling these challenges. He noted that space radiation research is not just for space agencies like ISRO or NASA, but also for defense applications, nuclear safety, and medical advancements on Earth.

“The challenges associated with space radiation exposure require an integrated approach involving radiobiologists, physicists, engineers, and medical researchers. The insights gained here will contribute to the development of advanced protective gear, radiation shielding technologies, and pharmacological interventions that can improve astronaut health and safety," he added.

Why Space Radiation Research Matters for Human Space Exploration

As space agencies worldwide push the boundaries of human space exploration, astronauts face prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation, solar storms, and high-energy heavy ions. Unlike on Earth, where the atmosphere and magnetic field provide natural protection against radiation, astronauts traveling beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) encounter radiation levels that are hundreds of times higher.

This exposure can lead to:

DNA mutations and increased cancer risks

Neurological disorders affecting cognitive functions

Cardiovascular diseases due to prolonged exposure

Bone and muscle loss due to combined effects of radiation and microgravity

Understanding these risks is critical for future deep-space missions, such as:

Artemis Program for Moon colonization

Mars exploration missions

Long-term human settlements in space

The Radiobiology Conference 2025 aims to address these concerns and propose practical solutions for astronaut health and safety.

Key Themes of the Radiobiology Conference 2025

The three-day event will focus on several key topics related to space radiation exposure, biological effects, and countermeasures:

1. Biomarkers of Exposure & Susceptibility

• Identifying genetic markers that indicate a higher risk of radiation-induced health issues.
• Developing early detection methods to assess astronaut health in space.

2. Chronic Effects & Carcinogenesis

• Long-term studies on cancer risks due to space radiation.
• Investigating the role of heavy ion exposure in DNA mutations and tumor formation.

3. Combined Space Stressors

• Studying the combined effects of radiation, microgravity, circadian misalignment, isolation, and psychological stress.
• How multiple spaceflight factors impact human physiology.

4. Acute & Late Effects of Heavy Ions

• Exploring short-term and long-term radiation exposure effects on human organs.
• Investigating cellular and molecular damage caused by high-energy cosmic rays.

5. Mathematical Modelling & Simulation

• Using AI and machine learning to model radiation exposure risks.
• Simulating how radiation affects astronauts on Mars and beyond.

6. Medical Countermeasures & Radiation Protection

• Developing radioprotective drugs to minimize DNA damage.
• Designing advanced radiation shielding for space habitats and spacecraft.

7. Muscle & Bone Loss in Space

• Investigating how space radiation accelerates bone loss.
• Studying countermeasures like artificial gravity, exercise regimes, and nutritional supplements.

8. Cognitive & Degenerative Diseases Due to Space Radiation

• Understanding how radiation exposure affects brain function, memory, and mental health.
• Developing neuroprotective treatments for astronauts.

These topics are critical for the success of upcoming long-duration missions and will shape future space medicine policies worldwide.

Global Impact: How Space Radiation Research Benefits Earth

While the primary focus of this research is astronaut safety, the findings from space radiation studies have significant applications on Earth:

Cancer Research – Space radiation studies help improve radiotherapy techniques for cancer treatment.

Aerospace & Aviation Safety – Radiation shielding innovations benefit airline pilots and high-altitude travelers.

Nuclear Safety & Disaster Management – Understanding radiation exposure aids in better preparedness for nuclear accidents.

Aging & Neurodegenerative Disease Research – Insights into radiation-induced cognitive decline contribute to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research.

Thus, this conference is not only shaping the future of space travel but also contributing to medical advancements on Earth.

India’s Role in Advancing Space Medicine & Radiobiology

India’s commitment to space exploration has grown significantly with ambitious missions like:

Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar Exploration)

Gaganyaan (India’s First Human Spaceflight Program)

Aditya-L1 (Solar Mission)

The discussions at INMAS-DRDO’s Radiobiology Conference 2025 will strengthen India's space medicine capabilities, ensuring the health and safety of astronauts for future interplanetary missions.

By fostering global collaboration and interdisciplinary research, India is positioning itself as a leader in space medicine and radiation biology.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Safer Human Space Missions

The International Radiobiology Conference 2025 is a landmark event that underscores the critical role of space radiation research in shaping the future of human space exploration.

By addressing radiation risks, medical countermeasures, and long-term health effects, the conference is laying the groundwork for:

Safer deep-space missions

Improved astronaut health

Better space habitation solutions

As the world prepares for Moon bases, Mars settlements, and beyond, research in space medicine and radiobiology will be key to ensuring the survival and success of astronauts.

This event highlights India’s growing contribution to global space research, making it a key player in advancing human spaceflight technology.