Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32646: Shaking Up the View: Studying How Rocket Vibrations Affect Human Vision

Rocket launches are intense—especially for human bodies. The 'Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance During Launch' experiment aimed to understand how launch vibrations influence an astronaut’s ability to see clearly and perform tasks during ascent. Led by Dr. Kritina Holden and supported by NASA’s Human Research Program, this study was part of Expeditions 18 through 20. It measured how mechanical vibrations impact visual acuity, attention, and task accuracy under simulated launch conditions. The goal was to improve crew safety and mission success by identifying thresholds beyond which vibrations may hinder performance. These findings are essential for designing future spacecraft interiors and control interfaces that remain usable under launch stresses. By studying visual impairment during dynamic motion, NASA can refine astronaut training and equipment for peak performance from liftoff to orbit.

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