Sensorimotor Countermeasures

Exploration class missions will include multiple transitions between gravitational environments, sometimes after long periods in microgravity, which will impact the neurovestibular system and sensorimotor capabilities. New countermeasures and assessment tools are needed to enhance preflight disorientation training, maintain inflight physical performance, and accelerate recovery following transitions between gravity environments so that crew are enabled to perform critical exploration mission tasks.

The Sensorimotor Countermeasures capability area currently encompasses three projects.

1) The Upright Proprioception Retention via Inflight Training and Evaluation (UPRITE) system is being developed as an in-flight countermeasure that targets the sensory subsystems that contribute to the maintenance of balance by requiring subjects to control the tilt angle of the support surface they are standing on. A two-cable subject loading system supplies the force that pulls them toward the tilt-board and real-time feedback of the pitch and roll angles control the position of a cursor on a computer monitor. Custom training software modules challenge the subject to align a cursor representing board position with a target. Performance metrics derived from these training exercises will also provide the first onboard assessment targeted toward the sensorimotor system. The completion of the flight hardware design, and the fabrication and assembly of both an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) and Flight Hardware Units are goals for FY26.

2) Unobtrusive Monitoring Tools and Operational Assessments (aka Head/Body Assessments) are being developed to quantify crew member sensorimotor adaptation following gravitational transitions. This project focuses on the development and validation of two distinct technologies: (1) a ground-based motion capture tool to monitor sensorimotor rehabilitation to be utilized for return to duty assessments preflight and following return to Earth and (2) an exploration motion capture tool to monitor sensorimotor alterations in-flight following gravity transitions to be used for in-mission assessments for operations, e.g., exercise evaluation or sensorimotor assessments prior to early surface activities. The primary objective for FY26 is to work towards the development of an exploration motion capture and monitoring tool that meets operational constraints and functional requirements for in-flight use. The secondary objective in FY26 is to deliver the final ground-based markerless motion capture product to the astronaut trainers and support operational integration.

3) The Spatial Disorientation Trainer is being developed as a portable training capability to simulate the performance of landing and recovery type tasks while experiencing vertigo due to post-flight vestibular alterations. These simulations can be used 1) across research studies investigating the impacts of vestibular disruption on operational performance/assessments, 2) to train astronauts for upcoming spaceflight missions, and 3) to educate space medicine and operational personnel prior to providing post-flight support. The primary objective for FY26, and to complete an enhanced Phase 2 small business grant that will deliver training units, provide training materials to transition this for mission training and to other stakeholders within NASA.

These efforts will boost the reliability of sensorimotor capabilities for landing and post-landing activities. Specifically, they aim to provide crewmembers with enhanced neurovestibular re-adaptation to a gravitational environment, reliable proprioceptive function for post-flight posture and locomotion, and adaptable sensorimotor systems to rapidly reweigh sensory channels and produce the appropriate motor outputs. These capabilities will enable successful crew performance of exploration mission objectives.

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