THE VISUAL REALM IN SPACE

Abstract

Man's presence on extended space missions is dictated by his unique effectiveness for coping with unusual situations. For his size, mass, and energy requirements, it is probable that he can handle a broader range of eventualities more effectively than any automatic equipment which might be designed. Critical elements in his performance are his sensory input channels. The most important of these is probably vision. Visual problems which may be encountered in space flight are reviewed. The unique characteristics of the visual realm on space missions are discussed, from the instrument arrays and other aspects of space vehicle interiors, to the extravehicular situations, from rendezvous and docking with other vehicles through landing on extraterrestrial bodies and exploration of their surfaces. The significant characteristics of the human visual system, which will be essentially the same is space as on the earth's surface, are reviewed in relation to the problems which may be encountered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1967
Accession Number
AD0663575

Entities

People

  • John L. Brown

Organizations

  • Kansas State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Brain
  • Detection
  • High Acceleration
  • Light Scattering
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Nervous System
  • Neurons
  • Optical Properties
  • Optics
  • Psychology
  • Sea Level
  • Space Flight
  • Space Missions
  • Spacecraft
  • Visual Acuity

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers