Spacecrew Testing and Recording System

Planning for extended space habitation and exploration will require expanded knowledge of any changes in human brain activity and cognitive abilities that occur as a result of exposure to the microgravity environment. We propose to study the feasibility of developing a compact, rugged, low-cost, highly-automated Spacecrew Testing and Recording System (STARS) for measuring behavioral, physiological and neurophysiological parameters related to neurocognitive status during space missions. In Phase I we will investigate the modifications required to our laboratory prototype system components to meet the planned and current needs of the space program, and develop a plan for building an integrated system in Phase II. The outcome of this project will be a flexible and practical miniaturized system for routine neurological monitoring and for the design and execution of experiments concerning cognitive function and brain neurophysiology in mission personnel.