Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31026: Illusion in Orbit: How Space Changes What Astronauts See

Have you ever experienced an optical illusion—something that tricks your eyes into seeing something that isn’t quite there? In space, such illusions take on a new dimension. The European Space Agency’s ‘Illusion’ experiment, developed by the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), explores how the absence of gravity alters visual perception aboard the International Space Station.

Conducted during Expeditions 64 and 65, this experiment taps into an intriguing question: how does the human brain interpret spatial orientation when the rules of up and down no longer apply?

On Earth, our brain relies heavily on visual cues and gravity to determine orientation. But in microgravity, those cues are altered or missing. This can lead to fascinating effects like astronauts reporting the sensation of being upside down, even when they’re not.

The Illusion experiment involves astronauts participating in visual perception tasks while in orbit. These tasks include looking at carefully designed images or patterns and reporting what they see. Some of these patterns mimic well-known visual illusions from Earth but may appear very different in space.

The goal is to better understand how spaceflight affects the brain's interpretation of visual information. This isn’t just an academic question. Pilots, astronauts, and even future space tourists rely on visual cues for orientation and movement. Misinterpretation could lead to confusion or even accidents in critical situations.

Studying illusions in microgravity also opens a fascinating window into brain plasticity—how adaptable our brains are to new environments. Insights from this research can inform training protocols for astronauts, enhance safety, and help design better user interfaces for spacecraft and future space habitats.

By blending neuroscience and space exploration, the Illusion experiment makes the invisible visible, highlighting how our perceptions are deeply rooted in the physical laws of Earth—and how they must adapt when those laws change.

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.