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T0290-P

Capturing Human Adaptations in Novel Gravitational Environments in Space (CHANGES)

PI: Stephen Robinson (2), University of California - Davis

With the Capturing Human Adaptations in Novel Gravitational Environments in Space (CHANGES) demonstration, researchers will test a suite of sensors and a display technology designed as a non-pharmaceutical countermeasure for space adaptation sickness (SAS). Tasks displayed on a knee-mounted monitor will drive the head and gaze through a series of motions to invoke neuro-vestibular discomfort. Using an elastic headset, the technology provides a visual alert when head motion exceeds preset limits in order to prevent potentially debilitating SAS. Parabolic flight tests will facilitate assessment of the system’s effectiveness in microgravity.

Technology Areas (?)
  • NA
Problem Statement

Space flight gravitational transitions can occur in minutes, but the human vestibular system can require up to several days to adapt to a new gravitational environment. This delay in vestibular adaptation often results in space adaptation sickness, a potentially debilitating form of motion sickness.Space adaptation sickness could be prevented with a technology that trained the astronaut to minimize head motions.

Technology Maturation

The CHANGES project aims to mature a non-pharmaceutical remedy for space adaptation sickness consisting of(1) a head-mounted inertial measurement unit to sense head motion, (2) a peripheral-vision display to generate visual alerts when motion limits are being exceeded, and (3) a wearable motion capture system. The headset and test apparatus have already matured to TRL 4 in a laboratory environment. Functionality in various gravitation environments will advance the system to TRL 7.

Future Customers

•Astronauts and military air crew
•Parabolic flight research
•Patients prone to motion sickness

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    TechFlights20 (Sep 2020)
  • Program Status
    Active
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 Parabolic

Development Team

  • PI
    Stephen Robinson (2)
  • Organization
    University of California - Davis
  • Sponsor

Web Accessibility and Privacy Notices Curator: Alexander van Dijk Responsible NASA Official: Stephan Ord Last Update: November 16, 2018