Human Performance

ASEN 5016 Lecture 8: Human Performance in Space

OBJECTIVES

1. Describe physical performance factors affected in space flight

2. Identify basic psychological performance factors

3. Describe the role of Human Factors Engineering in the space environment

1. Physical Performance Factors (see also Lecture 6a on Motor Control)

Factors affecting performance specific to space flight

Performance evolves from first adjusting for weightlessness, to no need for "upright" orientation

Living and Working aboard the Shuttle

Visual acuity à receives particular attention in the US Space Program

Level of illumination is approximately ¼ greater in LEO due to lack of atmosphere

Reduced scattering makes shaded objects appear darker à Increased contrast alters normal visual intensity cues

In-flight contrast sensitivity also shown to be slightly reduced

Changes in intraocular pressure due to fluid shift may affect contrast sensitivity

2. Psychological Performance Factors

Individual personality traits à part of astronaut selection criteria

Facades à Social tension

Professionalism à ability to cope

Need for private space voiced often

Interpersonal communication affected (by weightlessness?)

Isolated Confined Environment (ICE) à prolonged separation from family and society (Antarctica and submarine analogs)

High levels of noise and routine work activities à stress

Immunosuppression?

Stress

Shuttle daily timeline vs. keeping busy enough to prevent boredom

Workload scheduling

3. Human Factors Engineering

Ergonomics – "the study of work"

Discipline began around WWII in England (originally known as Engineering Psychology)

Interdisciplinary field including Biologists, Physicists, Engineers and Psychologists

Most of the early efforts geared towards aircraft cockpit design

circa 1981, Volvo introduced "ergonomically designed" auto

Optimization of fit between humans, machines and environment - dynamic balance exists between all three components

Stowage and access, module layout and workstation design

Operational environment – gravity specific implications?

On Earth – keeping things on a desk is easy and movement is hard

In Space – keeping things stationary is hard and movement is easy

Habitability à not only sustaining life, but ensuring health and comfort (i.e., quality of life)

NASA Stnd 3000 MSIS

HW 3 Assignment Discussion