Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32648: Exploring Human Perception in Space: The Vitok-2(A) Study

When astronauts first enter space, their bodies and senses undergo significant changes due to the microgravity environment. The Vitok-2(A) experiment, conducted during Expedition 1 aboard the International Space Station (ISS), investigates how cosmonauts perform visual and instrument-based tasks in the early days of spaceflight. Principal Investigator Valery Morgun, M.D., from the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, leads this important human research study under the aegis of ROSCOSMOS.

In space, astronauts must quickly adapt to an environment where their body orientation, hand-eye coordination, and sensory inputs behave differently from on Earth. Vitok-2(A) measures their ability to make visual observations, interpret instrument data, and complete test tasks accurately. This data is crucial because effective visual-instrument coordination is essential for tasks like piloting spacecraft, monitoring equipment, and responding to emergencies.

During the experiment, cosmonauts perform a series of standardized visual and instrumental assessments. Researchers analyze their performance to understand the timeline and extent of adaptation. This experiment helps scientists refine astronaut training programs and improve mission planning, especially for the early hours and days in orbit.

Vitok-2(A) ultimately contributes to the broader goal of ensuring crew safety and mission success as human space exploration continues to push boundaries.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in 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.