Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30309: Understanding How Our Bodies Adapt to Space: The Science of Self-Orientation

What happens to our sense of balance and spatial orientation when gravity disappears? The experiment 'Bodies In the Space Environment' explores this fascinating question. Led by Dr. Laurence Harris of York University, this study investigates how astronauts perceive their own orientation in space—especially when floating in microgravity where usual internal and external cues are missing. By using virtual reality headsets, moving platforms, and psychological assessments, scientists tested how the brain adapts to weightlessness and how it recalibrates when astronauts return to Earth. The study spans multiple ISS expeditions and helps answer key questions about disorientation and adaptation in space travel. This research is vital for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars, ensuring astronauts can function effectively without becoming disoriented. The findings also have real-world applications in understanding balance disorders and rehabilitation therapies on Earth.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.