Virtual Reality Headset Aims to Cure Homesickness in Space

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, nearing the end of an unintended year in space, expressed his anticipation for indulging in Earthly pleasures upon his return home. During a live broadcast from the International Space Station (ISS), Rubio longed for the simple joys of being outdoors and enjoying the peace and quiet that Earth offers. Astronauts on board the ISS spend extended periods confined within the small space of the orbiting station, making the isolation of low Earth orbit take a toll on their mental health.

Introducing the First VR Headset for Space

In an effort to alleviate the negative effects of space missions on astronauts’ well-being, healthcare platform XRHealth partnered with virtual reality brand HTC Vive to create a groundbreaking solution – the first virtual reality (VR) headset designed to combat homesickness in space. The collaboration resulted in the reconfiguration of HTC’s Vive Focus 3 headset to make it compatible with the microgravity environment of the ISS.

Providing Earth-Like Experiences in Space

The goal of the VR headset is to provide astronauts with similar experiences to those they would have on Earth, helping them feel connected to their home planet. Thomas Dexmier, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at HTC, emphasized the importance of delivering familiar experiences to counter the cold, sterile, and stressful environment that astronauts endure during their missions.

Astronauts Set to Test the VR Headset

The VR headset will be launched to the ISS as part of SpaceX’s 29th commercial resupply mission, scheduled for November 7. European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, part of the Crew-7 mission, will be the first to try the headset in the microgravity environment. Mogensen’s experience will help determine the efficacy of the VR technology in reducing stress and homesickness among astronauts.

Addressing Astronauts’ Challenges in Space

The most significant challenges faced by astronauts in space are isolation, confinement, lack of fresh air and natural light, and reduced sensory stimulation. To mitigate these stressors, NASA already provides LED lighting, noise-canceling earbuds, sleep masks, and private sleep pods. However, these accommodations can only do so much. The introduction of VR technology aims to address the psychological and emotional toll experienced by astronauts during their mission.

The Impact of Immersive Technology on Mental Health

Immersive technology, including VR, has emerged as a tool for treating mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. For astronauts on the ISS, the VR headset is specifically designed to simulate soothing environments found on Earth, including activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking mountain trails, or watching picturesque sunsets. By allowing their minds to wander, astronauts can experience a sense of relaxation and escapism.

Adapting the VR Headset for Space

One of the challenges in developing a VR headset for space was creating a device that can function effectively in a microgravity environment. Traditional VR headsets rely on gravity vectors for orientation, which is disrupted in space. To prevent motion sickness among astronauts and ensure stability, the HTC Vive team made strategic changes to the headset’s design. They mounted one of the anchor points on a controller securely fastened to the space station, providing a reliable point of reference for the headset.

Testing and Future Developments

Andreas Mogensen will be testing the VR headset for the duration of his mission, which is set to end in early 2024. Based on the astronaut’s feedback and experience, XRHealth and HTC Vive will evaluate the headset’s effectiveness in relieving stress and promoting well-being in space. The success of this initial trial will inform future developments and potential advancements in using VR as a tool for astronauts’ mental health during space missions.

By leveraging the power of VR technology, XRHealth and HTC Vive aim to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of astronauts during their time in space. The results of this groundbreaking collaboration could have far-reaching implications, offering new methods to mitigate the challenges of isolation and confinement faced by those venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere.