| Reduced gravity profoundly affects how the brain integrates sensory information leading to alterations in perception and the control of body movement. This disruption is most evident during periods of transition between different states of gravity. The ability to perform complex tasks like landing a spacecraft, robotic operations or operational activities immediately upon landing on a planetary surface may be impaired as a result of sensorimotor deficits. The Sensorimotor Adaptation Team is developing training procedures and specialized software to teach the astronauts how to adjust more rapidly to weightlessness and sensory changes.
Loss in spatial orientation in astronauts is caused by conflicting sensory inputs. To mitigate this, NSBRI investigators are examining the vision and motion cues pilots use in lunar landing, and are developing advanced displays and controls to support manual and automated vehicle control. The team is also developing a personal lunar navigation system that utilizes inertial, vision and step sensors, integrated via wireless networking to a lunar geographic database.
During vehicle launch and landings, astronauts not only experience tremendous gravitational forces, but also strong vibrations and vehicle motion that can greatly diminish their ability to read displays and operate manual controls. NSBRI researchers are studying the effects of vibration and vehicle motion on human performance in order to develop spacecraft and aircraft design guidelines that will enhance mission safety and success. |
