by In an effort to address the mental health needs of astronauts working on the International Space Station (ISS), a resupply mission is scheduled for next week, which will include a special delivery for Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen. The delivery will consist of a Vive Focus 3 VR headset developed by HTC, in collaboration with XRHealth and Nord-Space Aps.
Living and working in the ISS can be psychologically challenging, with astronauts residing in cramped, clinical environments that lack natural light. They are surrounded by the constant noise of machines, screens, and electronic devices, while privacy is limited and sleeping spaces are tight. Meals often consist of freeze-dried food and recycled water. These challenging conditions, coupled with months-long missions and isolation from friends and family, can lead to significant stress among astronauts.
Recognizing the need to provide a solution for the mental well-being of astronauts during their time in space, HTC, XRHealth, and Nord-Space Aps have joined forces on a mental health mission to the ISS. Per Lundahl Thomsen, Chief Technology Officer at Nord-Space Aps, emphasizes the importance of addressing the mental health of astronauts, as they are essentially isolated for extended periods of time and confined to small spaces. He explains that creating a virtual platform to address their mental health needs is imperative to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle upon their return to Earth.
The partnership focused on overcoming the challenges that arise when using VR headsets in a microgravity environment. Previous attempts were hindered by tracking and orientation issues, as the content would drift, roll, and cause motion sickness. To address these problems, the team developed a solution that utilizes the handheld controller as an anchor point for spatial tracking. Additionally, the power source of the modified Vive Focus 3 was optimized to better suit the mission.
For the VR therapy trial, ISS Commander Andreas Mogensen has selected a range of immersive virtual experiences to aid in achieving various clinical goals related to mental health. These experiences include standing on a hill and admiring a captivating sunset, swimming with dolphins, traversing a challenging mountain path in Europe, and exploring wetlands with the calming sound of bird songs.
The goal of the VR therapy trial is to provide astronauts with an escape from the stressful environment of the ISS, allowing them to relax and engage in activities that promote well-being and alleviate feelings of isolation. By leveraging the power of virtual reality, HTC, XRHealth, and Nord-Space Aps aim to enhance the mental health of astronauts and improve their overall quality of life during their missions in space.
This groundbreaking initiative highlights the potential of virtual reality technology in addressing mental health challenges faced by individuals working in extreme and isolated environments. As the partnership between HTC, XRHealth, and Nord-Space Aps continues to evolve, it is hoped that advancements in VR therapy will not only benefit astronauts, but also other individuals who experience similar psychological hardships in extreme environments on Earth.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
