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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
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.
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.
Summary of Flight Test
2021-12-07, 2022-06-27, 2023-05-08, 2023-10-16, 2024-08-20 Motion sickness in unusual gravitational environments is a common experience that is frequently exacerbated by head motions. In spaceflight, however, symptoms of motion sickness can undermine astronaut performance, posing a threat to mission safety and efficiency. This flight experiment tested a wearable, non-pharmaceutical countermeasure to motion sickness induced by head movements. The objective of the experiment was to induce head movement in a highly unfamiliar gravitational environment - the weightless period of a parabolic flight - and verify that the countermeasure device alerted to motions that might make the user feel sick. This flight campaign confirmed that our device functions as expected in reduced gravity, and has illuminated several next steps for improving and validating future prototypes.
The CHANGES system is being tested to demonstrate the capability to prevent astronauts from experiencing space adaptation sickness. This could greatly increase the level of comfort and performance capabilities of space and air travel crews. This would benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, other government agencies, and the nation.
Future Customers
•Astronauts and military air crew
•Parabolic flight research
•Patients prone to motion sickness
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