More than a feeling: bringing touch into astronauts' spatial orientation

Data show that spatial orientation in microgravity differs from that on Earth possibly facilitating space motion sickness and degrading performance. As a technology demonstration, we developed a Tactile Orientation Awareness Support Tool (TOAST) consisting of a vest with 56 vibrators. TOAST presents an artificial gravity vector by a localised vibration on the torso that points in the direction of down. Here, we report on the operational issues of TOAST In an experiment with a single male austronaut, we tested if he could detect the vibrations in mircograviiy as fast as on Earth. We used several questionnaires to investigate issues such as comfort and usability. The results show that, on average, the astronaut responds faster in microgravity that? on Earth. However the data also showed that the fit of the vest could be improved. The questionnaires show that the tool supported the astronaut in orientation tasks and has potential in challenging situations, but is not needed during daily operations. Although the comfort of the vest is OK, the somewhat bulky equipment of the demonstrator reduced its wearibility. We conclude that the demonstration was successful but that more microgravity data are needed to corroborate the findings. We expect a spin-off to applications for pilots, divers, individuals with a visual or vestibular dysfunction, emergency services, and the automobile and sports industry.