I wanted to do some deep learning about how Virtual Reality (VR) is used in training astronauts to prepare for experience in space. However, when I got started on my outline, I realized that I couldn’t do it all in one post. There’s a lot of background to cover, and it’s much broader that it sounded at first. I’m breaking the subject down into three posts, so I can cover it really well. Today’s post will cover an overview of VR technology, some historical context, and some training implementations. Next week’s post will go into the benefits of using VR in training, some of the challenges and limitations of using VR, and some case studies. Week 3 will look at future prospects, a comparative analysis, and some technological innovations of VR. Now let’s dig in.
OVERVIEW
WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?
To get started well, it’s important to understand what we mean by Virtual Reality. Virtual Reality is an experience that is completely simulated, generated by a computer. (as opposed to Augmented Reality, in which only part of the experience is simulated, and part is real). A VR experience may be similar to the real world, or it may be completely different. In order to use VR, you need some equipment, such as a headset, some device to track motion, and interactive software. In a VR environment, the user’s actions partly determine what happens next.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A VR EXPERIENCE?
Some of the elements that make up a VR system are a virtual world, immersion, sensory feedback, and interactivity. The elements are provided by the equipment. A virtual world is a 3-dimensional environment that is rendered by the software and displayed in the headset. Immersion is the perception of a presence in a non-physical world. Sensory feedback is provided by the headset, hand accessories, hand controls, special gloves and other body-mounted equipment. Interactivity refers to the response/reaction between the user and the equipment.
WHAT ARE SOME TRAINING USES OF VR?
VR is used in many different types of training scenarios. It may not be surprising to consider VR training for first responders. Police and firefighters can use VR to simulate dangerous situations safely, allowing them to train for the situations’ physical counterparts. The military is using VR to provide flight simulation, vehicle training, virtual boot camp, and training for medics. Battlefield simulation can help acclimate military members to the hazards of combat without the actual danger. Pilots can train in a safe environment, doctors can learn surgical techniques, mechanics can learn repair procedures, and athletes can improve their movements for better performance and fewer injuries. However, it may surprise you to find that VR can also be used to help train companies and individuals for diversity and inclusion, hospitality and customer service, problem solving, and construction procedures.
Historical Context
TRAINING BEFORE VR
Astronauts have trained in various environments to prepare for space, and some of that won’t change even with the availability of VR. Classroom instruction introduced the technical aspects of space flight, such as the many systems in the spacecraft, orbital mechanics, and the effects of space on human bodies. Astronaut training also included experiences in simulators that provided some replication of space flight conditions. One of these is the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, which imitates weightlessness. Another training situation is emergency survival. VR hasn’t completely been able to replace these methods yet.
INTRODUCTION OF VR IN SPACE TRAINING
NASA began experimenting with VR to train astronauts in the early 1990s. The first Virtual Reality Lab (VRL) help astronauts learn to execute spacewalks and work with robotics. While some of the original training methods are still used, issues with size, maintenance, and portability generated an interest in more cost-effective and portable options. The necessity of remotely repairing components on the Hubble Space Telescope accelerated the adoption of using VR to provide simulated training.
EVOLUTION OF VR TRAINING
For several decades now, the VRL at the Johnson Space Center in Houston has used VR in astronaut training. It is impossible to replicate certain aspects of space on earth, so NASA has developed several systems to provide valuable training. One system is the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), which is a jetpack for use during spacewalks. If an astronaut becomes untethered, the astronaut can return to safety.
Another VR training system is the Mass Handling System at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, nicknamed Charlotte. The system is actually a conveyor system for baggage and mail handling, but astronauts use the system to simulate weightlessness, and they learn to control their spacesuits in a weightless environment. Astronauts must certify on both SAFER and Charlotte before departing for the International Space Station.
SOME SPECIFIC TRAINING SCENARIOS
Because we can’t just create a space environment on earth, VR is extremely valuable to simulate spacewalks, and to help astronauts learn to manipulate objects in weightlessness. Emergency situations can be safely replicated to enable astronauts to practice responding to a variety of experiences. By providing an immersive environment, the realism of VR training is very effective. It also provides for collaborative training, even when the participants are in different locations.
SOURCES AND THE CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES
If you’d like to read more on VR training for astronauts, here are a few sources:
What is Virtual Reality? – Virtual Reality Society (vrs.org.uk)
5 Examples Of Virtual Reality For Corporate Training – Roundtable Learning
Adaptive virtual reality stress training for spaceflight emergency procedures (iastate.edu)
How NASA uses virtual reality to train astronauts – Space Center Houston
And here’s a recording of a simulated spacewalk, as recorded on the Meta Quest 2 ( I have a problem with heights and confined spaces, so I could only watch a few minutes of it): This VR Space Walk Simulation Is Terrifyingly Immersive – YouTube
In the next post in the series, we’ll explore the benefits of using VR for training, some of the challenges and limitations, and some case studies of VR in astronaut training.
If there’s something specific you’d like me to cover in this series, drop a note in the comments, and I’ll include it in the upcoming pieces.