ELaboratore Immagini TElevisive - Space 2 (ELITE-S2)
Research Area: Nervous and Vestibular Systems
Expeditions: 16- 17
Principal Investigator(s): ● Francesco Lacquaniti, MD, University of Rome Tor Vergata,
Rome, Italy
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
ELaboratore Immagini TElevisive - Space 2 (ELITE-S2) investigates the connection between
brain, visualization, and motion in the absence of gravity. By recording and analyzing the 3-
dimensional motion of crew members, this study helps
engineers apply ergonomics into future spacecraft
designs and determines the effects of weightlessness
on breathing mechanisms for long-duration missions.
This experiment is a cooperative effort with the Italian
Space Agency (ASI).
EARTH BENEFITS
This study has important implications not only for
understanding basic mechanisms of motor control but
also for rehabilitative training of neurological patients
with impaired motor control. New rehabilitation
techniques are based on virtual reality and mental
rehearsal of motor actions.SPACE BENEFITS
This study allows for the application of ergonomics in
the design of future spacecraft and determines the
effects of microgravity on breathing mechanisms for
long-duration missions.RESULTS
ELITE-S2 is pending completion of all data analysis
before conclusive results are published.This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.
Garret Reisman executing the ELITE S2
protocol IMAGE aboard ISS. NASA image.