Assessing Otolith-Organ Function with Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) in Parabolic Flight

Exposure to novel gravitational environments elicits alterations in sensorimotor responses, such as changes in coordinated head-and-eye movements and variations in spatial perception and memory. We will develop portable equipment and procedures to evaluate otolith function using vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). VEMPs are small, reflexive responses in the neck or eye muscles following otolith stimulation induced by auditory clicks and forehead taps. In the long run, we hope to have VEMP testing performed onboard ISS, to track changes in otolith processing over the course of a mission. Parabolic flights will help validate our equipment and procedures for eventual use on ISS.

Exposure to novel gravitational environments affects sensorimotor responses with functional consequences that include impaired ability to read, disorientation, dizziness, postural and locomotor disturbances, and motion sickness. Measuring anatomic changes to the otolith (part of the vestibular structure in the inner ear) during long-duration space flight will benefit future NASA missions and perhaps the commercial space industry.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.