Abstract
Humans are the most adaptable species on this planet, able to live in vastly different environments on Earth. Space represents the ultimate frontier and a true challenge to human adaptive capabilities. As a group, astronauts and cosmonauts are selected for their ability to work in the highly perilous environment of space, giving their best. Terrestrial research has shown that human cognitive and perceptual motor performances deteriorate under stress. We would expect to observe these effects in space, which currently represents an exceptionally stressful environment for humans. Understanding the neurocognitive and neuropsychological parameters influencing space flight is of high relevance to neuroscientists, as well as psychologists. Many of the environmental characteristics specific to space missions, some of which are also present in space flight simulations, may affect neurocognitive performance. Previous work in space has shown that various psychomotor functions degrade during space flight, including central postural functions, the speed and accuracy of aimed movements, internal timekeeping, attentional processes, sensing of limb position and the central management of concurrent tasks. Other factors that might affect neurocognitive performance in space are illness, injury, toxic exposure, decompression accidents, medication side effects and excessive exposure to radiation. Different tools have been developed to assess and counteract these deficits and problems, including computerized tests and physical exercise devices. It is yet unknown how the brain will adapt to long-term space travel to the asteroids, Mars and beyond. This work represents a comprehensive review of the current knowledge and future challenges of cognitive neuroscience in space from simulations and analog missions to low Earth orbit and beyond.
Highlights
The human brain evolved very rapidly after our ancestors began to stand up and walk
In the first study using low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) in low gravity [32], it was demonstrated that the microgravity phases during parabolic flights result in considerable changes in frontal lobe activity, a brain region that is known to play a major role in emotional processing and the modulation of performance [33,34]
We know that the human body behaves oddly in orbit, because of the lack of gravity, among other factors
Summary
The human brain evolved very rapidly after our ancestors began to stand up and walk. This standing position favored the use of hands and tools, a key aspect in the ongoing human evolutionary process. Among the factors inherent to the space environment that may affect the human brain and mind are microgravity, radiation, weightlessness, acceleration, noise and stress. Earth-based research may help to further our understanding of how the brain functions in space. This is achieved using so-called space analog environments and space simulations; both can be defined by their extreme environmental characteristics. The most well-known space analogs are the Antarctic and Arctic stations and desert and submarine installations At these facilities, crewmembers spend months in isolation and harsh weather conditions performing a variety of tasks and procedures similar to those carried out in space missions. Results from Earth-based research highlight the importance of studying the effects of stress on cognitive performance. Results from Mars-500, one of the longest space mission simulations ever, revealed that a variety of neurological and psychological factors, such as circadian rhythms and social behavior, were affected by characteristics of the mission and the special environment [17]
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