US sees role in India's moon mission

The United States is keen on strengthening cooperation with India on space science applications.

Areas with strong potential for enhanced cooperation in civil space research and other activities between India and United States include earth observation science, technology and related applications, including natural resource management, water cycle, atmospheric sciences and infrastructure.

"India is working on a mission to moon. We are looking at collaborations with India in this, and we are also looking at collaboration in the area of telemedicine," said Lee Morin, deputy assistant secretary for science at the Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and scientific affairs and a NASA astronaut.

Both US and India have the capability and capacity in space, science and technology and applications.

Though scientific and technological cooperation and farsighted commercial endeavors, and in appropriate policy and business environment, these assets can be leveraged to benefit both nations and contribute to sustainable global economic growth and scientific advancement.

On the issue of collaboration in aerospace medicine, the topic on which he delivered a lecture, Morin said, "India has an institute working in the area of aerospace medicine in Bangalore, which is providing support to Indian space programme. I had discussions with N K Ganguly, director general, Indian Council of Medical Research in this regard."

While elaborating on the problems faced by astronauts, Morin said, "When astronauts are back from a space journey, they tend to slide out of their bed the next morning, thinking they are still in space. This happens because in space, astronauts are used to sliding due to zero gravity. As the body tends to lose calcium from bones in space, development of kidney stones and weakening of bones may result."

"After return to earth, such people should avoid jogging as it may result in fractures sustaining life in space is a major challenge as you are faced with a situation in which there is a normal person in abnormal environment. One needs protection from pressure, lack of oxygen, radiation and absence of gravity," Morin added.