VR with smell against loneliness and boredom for astronauts

"During long-duration missions, astronauts have to do without many sensory stimuli. This can have various disadvantages: from physiological reactions to stress and isolation to impairments of health-promoting behaviours and well-being," says Dr Ana Diaz Artiles.

She works as an assistant professor at the Institute of Astronautics at Texas A&M University. The isolation in space, which is dangerous for astronauts, could be combated through special VR experiences.

VR against loneliness

Loneliness reigns in space. Faced with these lengthy stays in space, the researchers want to ensure the mental well-being of the space travellers.

Social contact with Earth or care packages, such as those sent today to the International Space Station (ISS), are virtually impossible on a Mars mission. Dr Diaz Artiles therefore relies on virtual reality to promote the mental and physical health of the crew. One focus is on VR environments that are enriched with smells: "We're creating 'augmented' multisensory experiences that could lead to healthier people with improved behaviour, health and performance."

Odour VR

When we smell something, the olfactory information is transmitted to the limbic system, explains Dr Diaz Artiles. This part of the brain is involved in emotional and memory processes. For example, a perfume can evoke certain emotions.

They work with smells that are triggered by the places visited in the VR environment. For example, an astronaut can go to a river in virtual reality and not only hear the sound of the water, but also smell the wet grass on the bank. Transparent hotspots are hidden in the VR environment for this purpose. They trigger the smells when the avatar touches them.

Nature has a positive effect on body and mind, say the researchers, and so they want to bring a piece of the earth to the astronauts in VR. The addition of smells is intended to make this experience as real as possible.

In their study, they find that smells not only reduce anxiety before and after a simulated dangerous situation on board - they also increase the sense of well-being when relaxing.

Dr Diaz Artiles envisions virtual care packages in the future. Family and partners should be able to send virtual flowers into space that smell like roses. The goal: astronauts should not lose contact with their homes.

Source: Mixed