Spatial orientation in weightlessness and readaptation to earth's gravity

TitleSpatial orientation in weightlessness and readaptation to earth's gravity
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1984
AuthorsYoung, L. R., C. M. Oman, D. G. Watt, K. E. Money, and B. K. Lichtenberg
JournalScience
Volume225
Pagination205-8
Date PublishedJul 13
MVL Report Number84.05
Keywords*Orientation/physiology, *Space Flight, *Space Perception, *Weightlessness, Acceleration, Electromyography, Head/physiology, Human, Motion Sickness/physiopathology, Movement, Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Vestibule/physiology, Visual Perception/physiology
Abstract

Unusual vestibular responses to head movements in weightlessness may produce spatial orientation illusions and symptoms of space motion sickness. An integrated set of experiments was performed during Spacelab 1, as well as before and after the flight, to evaluate responses mediated by the otolith organs and semicircular canals. A variety of measurements were used, including eye movements, postural control, perception of orientation, and susceptibility to space sickness.