The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) is working with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on crew nutrition requirements for astronauts who are part of Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight programme.
The ICMR-NIN has also worked on the diet of astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission; and has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with human space flight centre (HSFC), ISRO. The ICMR scientists have also visited the Bengaluru facility of ISRO in this regard.
The team will analyse the energy levels of astronauts during the training period; as well as health and nutrition, daily activity and biochemical and physiological parameters of the astronauts and develop a diet plan based on their assessment. According to the scientists, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian requirements of the astronauts have been taken into consideration.
Speaking with The Tribune, K Venkatesh, a scientist at ICMR-NIN said, “The nutrition is tailored as per body composition. There will be times when an astronaut will have to lie down for 15 days at a stretch. During this time the levels of carbohydrate, protein will fluctuate. So keeping these in mind, nutrition is being designed.”
Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a DRDO lab that has also developed a wide range of ready-to-eat foods that can be eaten in space. These include vegetable biryani, potato paratha, vegetable pulao, moong dal halwa, dal khichdi.
Meanwhile, ISRO, as per sources, has increased safety checks after two PSLV failures that might delay the Gaganyaan Mission. The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, known as G1, was earlier targeted for launch in March 2026.
The researchers are also working closely with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to develop nutrition for the sports persons.
