Andreas Mogensen, a European Space Agency astronaut, utilizes a VR headset to enhance his mental health aboard the ISS. The device, created in collaboration with HTC and Nord-Space Aps, offers immersive nature experiences to combat the sterile, isolating environment of space, which can negatively impact psychological well-being. This innovation is part of broader research to understand how astronauts can maintain happiness and fitness during prolonged missions, particularly with potential future explorations to Mars that may require years apart from Earth.
It's very sterile, it's very cold, and we don't have access to nature. That affects our psychological well-being.
HTC partnered with Mogensen and Nord-Space Aps to send a Vive Focus 3 headset loaded with nature videos into orbit.
Mogensen used the device to test how it could impact his mental health and to make his exercise time more scenic.
As the space community looks to Mars, a roundtrip mission could require astronauts to spend several years away from home.
#space-exploration #virtual-reality #mental-health #astronaut-well-being #international-space-station
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