Virtual Reality Headset Tested in Space to Combat Astronauts’ Mental Health Strains

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) face unique challenges during their missions, including the mental strain of living in a confined, artificial environment far from home. To combat this, astronaut Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency (ESA) recently tested a groundbreaking new gadget – a virtual reality (VR) headset.

The VR headset, sent to space for the first time, comes pre-loaded with natural scenes such as a sunset, beach, mountain path, and river. Mogensen, part of Crew-7, conducted two experiments with the headset during his six-month mission to the ISS.

In the first experiment, Mogensen tested how VR can aid astronauts’ mental health in space. He described the headset as providing a sense of being in nature, helping to de-stress and relax in the sterile environment of the space station.

The second experiment involved combining the headset with the stationary bicycle aboard the ISS, allowing astronauts to cycle through virtual routes in Denmark. This integration added a new level of realism to their exercise routine, making it more enjoyable and motivating.

The headset, developed by XRHealth in collaboration with Nord-Space Aps and HTC VIVE, was specifically designed to be compatible in microgravity. Per Lundahl Thomsen, chief technology officer at Nord-Space Aps, highlighted the importance of providing astronauts with tools to combat the negative feelings of isolation and distance from loved ones while in space.

Overall, the VR headset has shown promising results in helping astronauts maintain their mental well-being during long-duration missions. With continued advancements in technology and support systems, astronauts can better cope with the challenges of space travel and maintain a healthy lifestyle both in orbit and upon their return to Earth.