Utah State University (USU) has announced an exciting collaboration with entrepreneur and ocean conservation advocate Aaron Newman, who will be participating in Blue Origin’s upcoming suborbital spaceflight, NS-36. This partnership will focus on pioneering research into human adaptation to spaceflight, particularly concerning vestibular function and motion sickness.
Joining Uplift Aerospace as its first spaceflight researcher on the Astronaut Advisory Board, Newman is set to play a crucial role in a comprehensive study that seeks to gather valuable data before and after his flight. This data will inform innovative strategies for vestibular habituation, aimed at improving human responses to the unique challenges posed by microgravity.
Significance of the Research
The research aims to better understand how the inner ear and central nervous system respond to the rapid gravitational shifts encountered during space travel. The insights gained will be instrumental in formulating training protocols that help decrease disorientation and motion sickness, enhancing overall crew performance and safety for future commercial astronauts.
The team of researchers from USU is led by Dr. Chris Dakin, an associate professor, alongside Dr. Eadric Bressel, a professor, and Haein Choi, a Ph.D. student. Their work is poised to have far-reaching implications, potentially benefiting various sectors including aviation, maritime industries, and even advancements in virtual reality technologies.
Voices from the Project
Aaron Newman expressed his commitment to advancing the science of space travel: “Humanity moves forward when we test our limits. I am flying to help USU and Uplift expand the science of how our bodies adapt to space, so more people can safely experience it and so crews can perform at their best. I am equally committed to protecting our home planet, spotlighting the vital role our oceans play in Earth’s climate.”
Dr. Chris Dakin added, “This mission is designed to generate high-value data on vestibular adaptation before and immediately after suborbital flight. Our goal is to transform that knowledge into practical countermeasures that improve operational readiness for a rapidly growing space industry.”
Uplift Aerospace’s CEO, Josh Hanes, remarked on the collaboration: “We are proud to support Aaron’s research flight. By pairing real flight access with USU’s scientific expertise, we can move promising ideas from lab to launch to life.”
Research Goals and Flight Details
The flight, operated by Blue Origin’s New Shepard, will focus on gathering pre- and post-flight data related to vestibular function and sensorimotor adaptation. The study will evaluate the effects of short-duration microgravity exposure on motion perception and recovery.
As this groundbreaking research unfolds, the findings could not only enhance the safety and performance of space travelers but also offer insights applicable across multiple domains, including health considerations for those affected by motion sickness in various environments.
