Advancing and Validating Galvanic Induced Disorientation Simulation Trainer (GIST)

We developed a functional laboratory disorientation trainer prototype. The end deliverable is a system that astronauts will regularly use to simulate landing and recovery type tasks and that is used to develop sensorimotor standards to gage suitability to perform tasks. We adapted an existing portable constant current stimulation design (that incorporates an in-built IMU) into a first functional version of a galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) disorientation trainer that fully meets the stated deliverables of the solicitation. The early prototype was single channel, wirelessly charged, had data logging capability, ~5 hour run time, 1 mA current limit, and provided full control via a bluetooth connected smartphone app. We adapted it into a 2 channel version to allow simulating pitch and roll tilt, increase current limit to 5 mA and related voltage compliance, provide option for user-adjustable manual gain, emergency on-off switch, incorporate user-switchable rechargeable batteries, and external /manual event triggering. Phase-1 established a laboratory version of the disorientation trainer culminating in pilot testing with 3 participants.