Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30974: How Space Affects Our Minds and Hands: The Human Dexterity and Cognition Experiment

Imagine trying to thread a needle or solve a puzzle while floating in microgravity. The Human Dexterity and Cognition in a Spaceflight Environment experiment, led by Philipp Schulien and developed by Space Tango, Inc., explores how space travel influences our physical and mental abilities.

Conducted during Expeditions 57 and 58, this NASA-supported study focuses on understanding how astronauts’ hand coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive performance are affected by long-duration spaceflight. It’s not just about muscle memory—space alters how our brains process spatial relationships and timing.

The experiment uses specially designed tasks and interfaces that astronauts perform over time to track changes. This helps scientists evaluate whether certain skills degrade, improve, or adapt during their mission. Such insights are crucial for planning extended missions to the Moon, Mars, or beyond.

By understanding how human dexterity and cognition evolve in orbit, space agencies can better prepare astronauts, refine training regimens, and design spacecraft interfaces that align with human performance under unique conditions.

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.