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Cosmonauts Track Objects in Space with VR
31 Jan
Summary
- ISS crew studies zero gravity's effect on visual tracking.
- VR glasses help cosmonauts track moving objects in space.
- New experiment uses Russian-made equipment and software.
On January 31, 2026, the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) is actively engaged in the second phase of the 'Virtual' experiment. This crucial medical research investigates the effects of zero gravity on human visual perception and spatial orientation during space missions.
The experiment involves a cosmonaut wearing virtual reality glasses to track a moving marker on a screen. The marker's movement can vary in speed, direction, and include visual interference. Specialized sensors capture the cosmonaut's eye movements, gathering data on tracking accuracy and reliability.
Zero gravity significantly alters bodily functions and can lead to sensory disturbances, such as illusions of body position and difficulty tracking visual objects. The 'Virtual' experiment, supported by the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, seeks to understand these challenges.
The current stage, which commenced in 2023, exclusively utilizes Russian-developed equipment and software. This contrasts with the first stage, completed in 2016, which employed European apparatus, highlighting advancements in Russia's domestic space technology.
