Space tech to healthcare transformation

Several research developments originally meant for space exploration have transitioned to healthcare applications on earth.

Digital image processing, wearables, telemedicine, diagnostics, implants and rehabilitation technologies used in healthcare have their origins in space programmes.

Over 2,000 healthcare and life-enhancing spinoffs profiled since 1976.

Space-driven necessity led to innovations later commercialised for civilian healthcare.

Annual budget of ₹13,416 crore, about 6 per cent of NASA’s budget.

Over 350 technologies transferred to Indian industries, including health and biomedical sectors.

Transfers facilitated through the Technology Transfer Programme.

Digital image processing used in:

• Ultrasound

• CT scans

• MRI

• Mammography

These techniques were originally developed for planetary and astronomical image analysis.

Advanced digital image-processing, segmentation and fusion methods:

• Enhance contrast

• Reduce noise

• Improve tissue differentiation

Particularly effective in low-dose and low-signal imaging.

Developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other centres.

Techniques include:

• Contrast stretching

• Filtering

• Deblurring

• Edge detection

Advanced ultrasound techniques refined on Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.

Infrared ear thermometers evolved from stellar temperature measurement.

Compact blood analysers and lab-on-chip devices developed for microgravity conditions.

Wearables monitoring:

• Heart rate

• ECG

• Respiration

• Movement

Derived from astronaut bio-telemetry systems.

Non-invasive glucose and metabolic monitoring using optical and microwave sensing.

Smart clothing with:

• Strain gauges

• Accelerometers

• ECG electrodes

Originated from spacesuit biomonitoring.

Satellite-based telemedicine supports:

• Remote healthcare delivery

• Disaster management

• Teleradiology

Satellite data enables:

• Global disease surveillance

• Epidemiological mapping

Solar-powered vaccine refrigerators developed for off-grid space operations now used in immunisation programmes.

Drone delivery systems for medical supplies rely on satellite navigation and communication.

Ventricular Assist Devices co-developed using NASA’s flow-dynamics expertise.

Miniaturised blood pumps with low shear stress.

Programmable pacemakers evolved from radiation-hardened electronics.

In 2016, ISRO developed a low-cost heart pump:

• Assists left ventricle failure

• Made from bio-compatible titanium alloy

• Pumps 3–5 litres of blood per minute

• Successfully tested on animals

ISRO smart limb:

• Low-cost bionic limb

Artificial polyurethane foot

Lightweight prosthetics using space-shuttle insulation foam and composite materials.

First cochlear implant patent in 1977 involved NASA assistance.

Invisible braces use translucent polycrystalline alumina (TPA) developed via NASA ceramics research.

Scratch-resistant lenses licensed from NASA technology.

Space blankets:

• Developed in 1964

• Lightweight

• Reflect infrared radiation

Antimicrobial, low-outgassing materials used in clinical environments originated from spacecraft cabins.

Astronaut physiological data contributed to:

• Management of osteoporosis

• Sarcopenia

• Cardiovascular deconditioning

Radiation biology research aids:

• Cancer risk assessment

• Radiotherapy safety

Human-factor engineering from spacecraft applied in:

• Intensive Care Units

• Operating room monitoring