HUMAN FACTORS ASSESSMENT OF VIBRATION EFFECTS ON VISUAL
PERFORMANCE DURING LAUNCH (VISUAL PERFORMANCE)
Research Area: Human Behavior and Performance
Expeditions: 18- 20
Principal Investigator(s): ● Kritina Holden, PhD, Lockheed Martin, Houston, Texas
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance During Launch
(Visual Performance) investigation tests visual performance limits during operational vibration
and g-loads on the space shuttle, specifically through the determination of minimum readable
font size during ascent using planned Orion display formats.
EARTH BENEFITS
Data from Visual Performance provide
insight into designing displays for those
who need to read displays under
extreme vibration such as pilots or race
car drivers.SPACE BENEFITS
Previous studies were not systematically
validated with flight data, and were
performed using older displays and
controls, in contrast to the glass cockpit
concepts currently planned for future
exploration vehicles. The Visual
Performance investigation determines
middeck crew visual performance and
provide data for further ground testing,
and also validated flight data from which
performance requirements can be
developed.RESULTS
Data analysis for this investigation is
ongoing. Final results will be published
upon completion of data analysis.This investigation is complete; however
additional results are pending
publication.Image of a training session for the Visual Performance -
Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual
Performance During Launch. NASA’s Johnson Space
Center image.S119E005001 – Shuttle image of the Visual Performance -
Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual
Performance During Launch with the visual placard used
during the study, still on the mid-deck lockers shortly after
orbit. NASA’s Johnson Space Center image.