From the Chief Editor’s Desk

It gives me immense pride to present the Summer Issue of the 65^th Edition, the 5^th Online Edition of the IJASM. I take this opportunity to inform all the society members that the Journal is establishing itself gradually on the online platform and being cited far and wide in the scientific community. We are making a fair progress on our goal of achieving long-standing dream of getting the Journal indexed. We are also in the process of archiving all the previous Editions of the Journal. Once this is achieved, the IJASM would reach greater heights, wherein, our published research works of the glorious past could be showcased on the online platform. This will not only ensure visibility of our previous research to the International Aerospace Fraternity but achieve far more citations and publicity on a global platform.

The Editorial Team is indeed honored and grateful to Air Vice Marshal Deepak Gaur Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a doyen of the Society and senior member of IJASM Advisory Editorial Board, for penning down the Guest Editorial in this Edition. I am sure, it would be heartening to read his precious views on “Aerospace Medicine in India: The Roots and The Wings,” wherein, he shares his glorious experiences on how Aerospace Medicine in India has expanded its horizon over the decades. His vision for the futuristic research and direction on the speciality would provide food for thoughts for the young and aspiring Aerospace Medicine Specialists to explore the challenging, yet exciting future.

We have always encouraged the young specialists to publish their scientific research. The present issue brings out interesting work by our young budding researchers along with contributions from the stalwarts in the field. Anthropometry has traditionally been conducted for aviators in the morning hours. We bring to you an excellent piece of study with painstakingly conducted methodology on gravity-dependent and gravity-independent anthropometric parameters, which with evidence seals the practice of undertaking anthropometry in the morning hours. Another study by a young researcher is on establishment and validation of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine - Exercise Maneuver Protocol which has now become an integral part of functional evaluation of aircrew with musculoskeletal disabilities. A comparative study on change in visual acuity under different illumination conditions between different generations of Night Vision Goggles is quite enlightening and operationally significant. Similarly, the paper on the effects of hypoxia on propensity to develop disorientation gives insight into the operational implications of high-altitude flying operations.

The current issue also brings out an interesting read on the unique experience of the first IAF air evacuation of a case of COVID-19 using an indigenously designed isolation pod. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is a condition unacceptable for flying duties during the initial medicals. The prevalence of LSTV among candidates aspiring for aviation duties and the best and simple radiological tool to detect the abnormality has been brought out in one paper. With India venturing into space in the Gaganyaan Mission, research in the field of Space Medicine is the need of the hour. This issue brings out an original research article in the arena of microgravity simulation.

The Editorial Board thanks the avid readers and contributors to the Journal. We are hopeful that this issue shall be a value addition as you cruise through the field of Aerospace Medicine.

Happy Reading! Jai Hind!