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Short Duration Bioastronautics Investigation 1904: Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance during LaunchThe primary objective of the Short Duration Bioastronautics Investigation (SDBI) 1904 was to determine visual performance limits during Shuttle operational vibration and g-loads, specifically through the determination of minimal usable font sizes using Orion-type display formats. Currently there is little to no data available to quantify human visual performance under the extreme g- and vibration conditions of launch. Existing data on shuttle vibration magnitude and frequency is incomplete and does not address human visual performance. There have been anecdotal reports of performance decrements from shuttle crews, but no structured data have been collected. Previous work by NASA on the effects of vibration and linear g-loads on human performance was conducted during the Gemini era, but these experiments were performed using displays and controls that are dramatically different than current concepts being considered by the Constellation Program. Recently, three investigations of visual performance under vibration have been completed at NASA Ames Research Center: the first examining whole-body vibration, the second employing whole-body vibration coupled with a sustained g-load, and a third examining the effects of peak versus extended duration vibration. However, all of these studies were conducted using only a single x-axis direction (eyeballs in/out). Estimates of thrust oscillations from the Constellation Ares-I first stage are driving the need for realistic human performance requirements. SDBI 1904 was an opportunity to address the need for requirements by conducting a highly focused and applied evaluation in a relevant spaceflight environment. The SDBI was a companion effort to Detailed Test Objective (DTO) 695, which measured shuttle seat accelerations (vibration) during ascent. Data from the SDBI will serve an important role in interpreting the DTO vibration data. Both SDBI 1904 and DTO 695 were low impact with respect to flight resources, and combined, they represent an efficient and focused problem solving approach. This project provided (a) immediate data for developing preliminary human performance vibration requirements; (b) flight validated inputs for ongoing and future ground-based research; and (c) preliminary information related to Orion display format design.
Document ID
20090041624
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Thompson, Shelby
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Holden, Kritina
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Ebert, Douglas
(Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group Houston, TX, United States)
Root, Phillip
(Department of the Army United States)
Adelstein, Bernard
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Jones, Jeffery
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-19407
Meeting Information
Meeting: HRP Investigators Workshop
Location: Houston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: February 3, 2010
End Date: February 5, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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