Introduction

Virtual reality has already proven its worth in preparing astronauts for space missions, but now, HTC is taking it a step further. HTC has announced that it will be sending its standalone VR headset, Vive Focus 3, to the International Space Station (ISS) to support the mental health and wellbeing of astronauts during their stay.

Combatting Stress and Homesickness

To combat the stress and potential feelings of homesickness that astronauts may experience, a specially-fitted Vive Focus 3 will be sent to the ISS on November 7th as a part of a resupply mission. Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Commander of Expedition 70 on the ISS, will utilize the VR headset as part of a mental health initiative created by XRHealth and Nord-Space Aps.

An Adapted Solution for Space

While the room-positioning system of the Vive Focus 3 was not originally designed for the microgravity environment of space, the company has come up with a solution commonly used in location-based entertainment settings such as roller coasters and flight simulators.

The Power of Virtual Reality Therapy

The main goal of this initiative is to provide astronauts with VR-based therapy that offers a temporary escape from the isolating environment of space. Through immersive 360-degree videos, astronauts can be transported to various virtual locations, allowing them to momentarily experience a sense of freedom and connection with the world.

Immersive Experiences in Outer Space

The VR experience offered to the astronauts includes stunning locations such as a sunset atop a picturesque hill, a scenic mountain path in Europe, swimming with dolphins, a virtual tour of the western coast of Denmark, and a nature hike through the serene wetlands.

The Importance of Addressing Mental Health

Astronauts spend months and even years in isolation, confined to small spaces with limited contact with their loved ones. Therefore, creating a virtual platform that addresses their mental health needs during this isolation is crucial for maintaining their overall well-being. Nord-Space Aps, in collaboration with companies providing advanced technologies suitable for space, aims to provide the most beneficial experience for astronauts.

The Potential of 360-degree Videos in Space

Although dedicated virtual reality simulations are generally more immersive than 360-degree videos, the use of VR in space is a promising step towards alleviating the daily stressors faced by astronauts on the ISS. While lacking full support for 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) spatial movement, these videos still offer astronauts a much-needed break from their confined environment.

Conclusion

Virtual reality has a significant role to play in supporting the mental health of astronauts during their time in space. By providing immersive experiences and an escape from the isolating nature of their mission, VR has the potential to greatly enhance astronauts’ well-being. The deployment of HTC’s Vive Focus 3 to the International Space Station signifies a major milestone in the use of VR technology for the benefit of those exploring the cosmos.