Image Source: NASA
Enhancement of the Spatial Orientation Capability of Astronauts
on the Lunar Surface

  A National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Project
at The Ohio State University Mapping & GIS Laboratory

PARTICIPANTS
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Ron Li, Lowber B. Strange Professor, Director, Mapping & GIS Laboratory; Ohio State University
Co-Investigators and Main Participants:
Dr. Kaichang Di, Research Scientist, Mapping & GIS Laboratory; Ohio State University
Dr. Alper Yilmaz, Photogrammetric Computer Vision (PCV) Laboratory; Ohio State University
Dr. Martin Banks, Visual Space Perception Laboratory (BANKSLAB); UC Berkeley
Dr. Kul Bhasin, Manager of Space Communications; Computing, Information and Communications Technology Program; NASA Glenn Research Center
Dr. Charles Oman, Director, Man Vehicle Laboratory (MVL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 
TIMELINE
August 2008 - July 2011

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The scientific goal of this proposed project is to develop a Lunar Astronaut Spatial Orientation and Information System (LASOIS) that will enhance astronauts’ spatial orientation capability and reduce sensorimotor risks during manned and landed lunar mission operations. The main objectives of this project are:
  1. To investigate methods for removal and/or alleviation of astronaut disorientation in a lunar surface operations setting by using integrated information technology, and psychological and cognitive research on spatial orientation and navigation;
  2. To develop the Lunar Astronaut Spatial Orientation and Information System; and
  3. To train astronauts to enhance their spatial orientation capability in a LASOIS-supported simulated lunar environment.
Supported by LASOIS, astronauts will be capable of overcoming disorientation in lunar surface operations caused by microgravity and the altered visual environment through spatial information provided by the Earth control center and collected by a coordinated group of sensors from lunar orbit, descending path, and ground. The developed spatial orientation strategy, system and training will allow astronauts to have a systematic preparation for complex mission scenarios where spatial operations and efficient interactions and communications are required among the Earth-based control center, lander(s), lunar vehicle(s), outposts, and astronauts. This capability is extremely important for lunar operations that will have an extensive traversing region (around 100km).

This project fits well into NSBRI’s Sensorimotor Adaptation Team Strategic Plan. In particular, it directly supports the first sensorimotor risk area “Disorientation and Manual Control” by providing the advanced LASOIS to reduce/remove the disorientation risk. Risks 44 and 45 defined in the Advanced Human Support Technologies (AHST) and Risks 24 and 26 defined in the BHP (Behavioral Health and Performance) roadmap crosscutting area can be significantly reduced by improving the spatial orientation capability through use of the proposed LASOIS system.