Posture, locomotion, spatial orientation, and motion sickness as a function of space flight

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Space Physiology
• Human Factors

Background:

• Space flight presents unique challenges to human sensory systems.
• Previous research has documented effects on posture, locomotion, and perception during space missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent neuroscience findings from the Johnson Space Center.
• To contextualize these findings within the history of space flight sensory research.
• To explore the neurosensory, sensory-motor, and perceptual disturbances experienced by astronauts.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of newly published findings from the Neuroscience Laboratory.
• Historical framework analysis of previous space flight sensory research.
• Examination of astronaut and cosmonaut experiences.

Main Results:

• The central nervous system exhibits plasticity, enabling adaptation to microgravity.
• Astronauts commonly experience space motion sickness, visual disturbances, and impaired coordination.
• Post-flight symptoms often mirror in-flight disturbances, with recovery time influenced by mission duration and experience.

Conclusions:

• Proper sensory signal transduction and integration are crucial for spatial orientation.
• Enhanced eye movement and body position measurement systems are recommended for tracking neurosensory changes.
• A human centrifuge could serve as a research tool and provide on-orbit countermeasures.