NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Navy to use the Navy's Kraken machine to study motion sickness in astronauts and develop possible mitigation strategies. The research could also potentially inform treatments for balance issues in patients on Earth. A monster of a machine is now allowing NASA s
A view of the cockpit of the Kraken, a device that can be configured to disorient those strapped inside. The parallel tracks on the left and right allow the cockpit to lurch forward and backward while it independently spins. Credit: U.S. Navyis collaborating with the U.S. Navy to use the Navy’s Kraken machine to study motion sickness in astronauts and develop possible mitigation strategies. The research could also potentially inform treatments for balance issues in patients on Earth.
“Shortly after liftoff in the space shuttle, I felt like I was on a merry-go-round as my body hunted for what was up, down, left, and right,” said NASA astronaut Douglas Wheelock. “Crew must prepare for the confusion that they will likely undergo during these gravitational transitions.” “The first time I saw the Kraken in person, I was impressed by how large and agile the machine is,” said Laura Bollweg, who manages astronaut health research at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “With the ability to move six directions on its axis, the device can simulate complex flight scenarios that are difficult to recreate on Earth, including landing scenarios that could induce vertigo and nausea.
Upon exiting the machine, 12 volunteers will perform prescribed head turns and tilts while wearing video goggles that track their head and eye movements. The technology will capture measurements associated with motion sickness, including how much participants blink as well as changes to heart rate. The volunteers will also respond to real-time questions about how disorientated and sick they feel.
If verified, astronauts could adopt specific protocols to help them quickly adapt to gravitational changes during spaceflight, including on longer andAs part of a two-pronged strategy, Schubert’s team also aims to see if the head motions can help patients with balance issues. Apart from riding in the Kraken, 24 civilian patients will attempt to complete the same four tasks performed by service members. Half will perform the same set of head motions beforehand, and the other half won’t.
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