IMAGE REVERSAL IN SPACE (IRIS)
Research Area: Vision
Expedition(s): 19 and 20
Principal Investigator(s): ● Gilles Clement, PhD, International Space University,
Strasbourg, France
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Image Reversal in Space (IRIS) is an educational experiment developed by students at the
International Space University (Strasbourg, France) to study the effects of microgravity on
perception of 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) objects. IRIS will measure how
astronauts respond to a series of optical illusions, and compare their image recognition time
with data recorded while the crew was on Earth.
EARTH BENEFITS
The experiment and its
software were designed by a
multidisciplinary group of
students, giving them
valuable experience in
developing science destined
for space implementation.
Furthermore, results from
IRIS experiments that will
allow the development of
improved training methods,
countermeasures and
treatments for adaptation to
changes in gravity will also
find other applications in
medicine and biotechnology.
SPACE BENEFITS
The IRIS payload supports the objective to explore and support decisions related to human
exploration as well as promoting international participation in exploration. It also supports
International Space Station (ISS) activities in terms of supporting space exploration goals with
an emphasis on understanding how the space environment affects astronauts’ health,
capabilities, and developing countermeasures. The results of this research will help minimize
risks and optimize crew performance during transit and planetary operations.
RESULTS
Preliminary results obtained with 1 crew member aboard the ISS suggest that the frequency of
percept reversal decreases in-flight relative to pre-flight. New experiments will include 2-D
figures that should not be affected by 0 g. For all phases of the spaceflight, we will determine
the time for first reversal and the number of perceived reversals of 3-D and 2-D reversible
ISS020E017981 – Canadian Space Agency astronaut Dr. Robert
"Bob" Thirsk, Expedition 20 flight engineer, sets up the A31p for the
Iris experiment in the Destiny Laboratory aboard the International
Space Station.