IIT Madras to develop astronaut training module for Indian space flight programs

ISRO intends to use advanced technologies from eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras for design studies, simulations, training module development and outreach activities.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is going to develop training module for Indian spaceflight program using augmented reality/ virtual reality/mixed reality. 

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) would utilise the advanced technologies created at the newly established eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras to promote research and development in the domain of extended reality. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ISRO and IIT Madras for collaboration on the application of extended reality (XR) and other technologies in Indian Human Spaceflight Program. 

Prof M Manivannan, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, said, “XR Technologies has the potential to add value in many aspects of human spaceflight program specifically in shortening the design cycle and simulating the space environment. We will start with developing models of physiological systems as well as design optimisation studies. IIT Madras ecosystem is conducive not only for research, but also for development with our industrial consortium.” 

Dr Umamaheswaran R, Director, Human Space Flight Center (HSFC), ISRO, said, “Space program always had linkages with academia and IIT Madras has a long history of contributing for ISRO’s program, including human spaceflight program. It is always a pleasure to collaborate with IIT Madras. ” The XTIC will not only develop XR technologies for human spaceflight program but will also impart training to HSFC engineers on this technology and help in establishing a XR/VR laboratory at HSFC. 

Key outcomes 

Ø  Modelling and Simulation of human physiology as well as space systems 

Ø  Outreach activities 

Ø  Visualization and optimization of design architecture 

Ø  Training ISRO scientists in developing their own XR systems 

The XTIC has established ‘CAVE,’ a consortium of start-ups and Industries in the field of XR and Haptics in India. The ecosystem led by XTIC will be utilised for several applications ranging from Outreach and education of the human spaceflight program to digital Twins. 

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