Design of a virtual training system and application of an evaluation scheme for orientation in a spacecraft cabin

Abstract

In manned spaceflights, weightlessness has great influence on the astronaut` s spatial orientation ability, especially in large spacecraft with complicated structures, such as space stations. Lack of gravity cues and a variety of body postures often result in astronauts’ spatial disorientation. In a mockup on the ground, astronauts are only able to conduct spatial orientation training in erect postures and cannot simulate the variety of body postures. A virtual reality training system for coping with spatial orientation training was proposed, and the training methods and courses were devised. Research on applying evaluation approaches for the virtual training system were conducted. A preliminary evaluation scheme including the relationship of human physiology, cognitive mentality, space orientation ability, and the usability of the virtual training system is presented in this chapter.