NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Sensorimotor 

Overview

OCHMO-TB-010

Rev A

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1, Rev C

[V1 3003] In-Mission Preventive Health Care

[V1 4006] In-Mission Fitness-for-Duty 

Sensorimotor 

[V1 4007] In-Mission Fitness-for-Duty 

Sensorimotor Metrics 

[V1 4008] Sensorimotor Performance Limits 

[V1 4009] Sensorimotor Countermeasures

[V1 4010] Post-Mission Sensorimotor 

Reconditioning

[V2 5002] Crewmember Training

[V1 5009] Physiological Exposure Mission 

Training 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

[V2 6064] Sustained Translational 

Acceleration Limits

[V2 6066] Sustained Rotational Acceleration 

Due to Cross-Coupled Rotation

[V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Sustained Translation 

Acceleration Limits

[V2 6093] Vibration Limits for Performance

[V2 6112] Hang Time Limit

[V2 7038] Physiological Countermeasures 

Capability

[V2 8042] Mobility Aid Provision

[V2 8043] Window Provisioning

[V2 11024] Ability to Work in Suits

Section 10: Crew Interfaces

Executive Summary

The human body is exposed to numerous 

health hazards throughout any given 

spaceflight mission, from suborbital spaceflight 

to deep space exploration, and ranging from 

short-duration exposure to long-duration 

missions of months to even years of 

continuous spaceflight. During spaceflight, 

astronauts experience altered gravity 

environments that lead to sensorimotor 

decrements, often manifesting as motion 

sickness, spatial disorientation, problems with 

postural control and locomotion, and fine 

motor control deficits. These in turn lead to a 

decrease in overall crew performance, 

including difficulties with manually controlling 

a vehicle, extravehicular activities, and 

ingressing/egressing the vehicle. The purpose 

of this technical brief is to provide an overview 

of vehicle and system design considerations, 

flight rules and mission operations, 

pharmaceutical intervention, and crew training 

and assessments that can minimize the 

adverse effects of sensorimotor degradation 

that crewmembers experience during 

spaceflight. 
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

Primarily, the altered gravity environment contributes the greatest amount to changes in sensorimotor 

and vestibular functioning that manifests as: 

• Space motion sickness (SMS)

• Spatial disorientation

• Decrements in postural control and locomotion

• Fine motor control deficits

This in turn creates difficulties in crew performance, such as decrements in manual control of a vehicle, 

extravehicular activities, and egress during and following gravitational transitions. The outcomes of these 

decrements are influenced by individual physiological response, vehicle design, and operational conditions 

(ex. overall deconditioned state of the crew, landing scenarios (water vs. land), operational status 

(nominal or off-nominal), and mission duration or complexity.) 

Performance changes can include decrements in visual performance, vestibular-ocular reflex function, 

eye-hand coordination, postural and locomotive abilities, spatial orientation, and SMS, which causes 

symptoms similar to other forms of motion sickness such as malaise, nausea and vomiting, and increased 

body warmth. 

12/01/2023

Rev A 2

Human Vestibular System

Considerations should be taken for the following: adaptability is most difficult during and following Gtransitions; subject variability exists between crewmembers; in-flight motion sickness incidence 

appears to decrease in repeat flyers; and in-flight susceptibility does not necessarily predict re-entry 

susceptibility. 

Evidence from years of human 

spaceflight has established that 

sensorimotor alterations, including SMS, 

vertigo, and vestibular changes, affect 

astronaut behavior and performance 

during and following gravitational 

transitions. These alterations stem from 

a disruption in the information received 

through the human sensory systems 

including the visual, vestibular 

(information received through the 

semicircular canals and otoliths), 

proprioceptive, and tactile systems. 

These disruptions have a variety of 

potential causes including fluid shifts, 

confusion involving ocular/vestibular 

accommodations, and changes in 

mechanoreceptors in muscles and joints.
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

The primary sensorimotor countermeasures most often utilized during spaceflight include: 

1. Vehicle & System Design – System design considerations, in combination with crew training, strategic 

mission operations, and use of countermeasures and treatment plans, can help to mitigate a large 

portion of sensorimotor decrements and lead to improved crew performance and overall mission 

success. 

2. Operational Timelines – Reducing the number of critical activities for a defined period post-gravity 

transition to ensure sensorimotor decrements will not adversely affect crew performance and safety.

3. Pharmaceuticals – Pharmaceutical management of sensorimotor sequelae of spaceflight focuses 

primarily on prophylactic intervention and/or suppression of motion sickness during and following 

gravitational transitions. 

4. Crew Training and Assessment – Sensorimotor alteration adaptation training targets astronaut 

behavior, including postural training, proprioceptive training, physical locomotive/muscle strength 

training, motion sickness training, and sensorimotor and spatial disorientation training. Adaptation 

training occurs at all stages of spaceflight, including pre-flight, in-flight, reentry, and post-flight. Some 

of the previous training studies have resulted in training guidance or recommendations that 

astronauts can elect to use during their own self-adaptation training. Crew are not required to 

complete any specified training but may elect to use training guidance procedures anytime from preflight through post-flight.

Reference Data

3

Additional countermeasures, such as preflight and in-flight balance training, and 

self-administered rehabilitation are 

currently being examined as potential 

means to mediate motion sickness and 

spatial disorientation, and sensory 

augmentation to assist with fine motor and 

postural/locomotion control to reduce 

these decrements. 

Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman of NASA takes a ride in a 

spinning chair as he tests his vestibular system during prelaunch medical tests

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

Design Considerations 

Engineering and system design must be considered throughout all phases of a mission to address 

sensorimotor decrements among crewmembers. Vehicle design aspects that may contribute to 

sensorimotor symptomology include vibration, acceleration and dynamic phases of flight, and crewmember 

posture and orientation. Other vehicle design factors can help to mitigate sensorimotor decrements or aid 

crewmembers experiencing sensorimotor symptomology, such as the inclusion of windows, handholds and 

translational aids, crew interfaces, and vehicle control and automation. In addition, EVA suit and 

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle (ESTV) design considerations can be applied to address 

sensorimotor functioning, both in preventing sensorimotor issues and accommodating crewmembers 

experiencing symptomology. 

Vibration, acceleration, and dynamic phases of flight

The main effects of vibration are experienced by the crew during launch, orbital engine burns, and 

atmospheric entry phases of a mission. Indefinite exposure to vibration during other phases of a mission 

can also exacerbate sensorimotor dysfunction among crewmembers. Vehicle and system design can 

mitigate these effects by reducing both vibration of crew interfaces (i.e., displays) and the physiological 

levels of vibration experienced by the crew during these phases of a mission. 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 provides requirements that limit vibration during pre-flight and dynamic phases 

of flight, as well as provide guidelines on crew exposure to vibration for long-duration missions and limits to 

prevent degradation of crew performance. 

4

During vehicle acceleration and dynamic phases of 

flight, crewmembers are susceptible to large 

amounts of sensorimotor degradation. Both linear 

acceleration and rotational motion during flight 

impairs sensorimotor functioning of the crew. 

Sustained transverse-axis g loading also plays a 

significant role in crew sensorimotor functioning 

with significant impacts on human visuomotor 

performance. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 enacts 

requirements for both spacecraft and rovers that 

provide guidelines for sustained translation 

acceleration limits, rotational velocity, and transient 

rotational acceleration in-part to reduce 

sensorimotor degradation among crewmembers.

Acceleration Vectors and Associated Sensations

Source: Space Medicine in the Era of Civilian Spaceflight

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

5

Crewmember posture and orientation

Crewmember posture and orientation, particularly position of the head, is an important variable in 

sensorimotor functioning. For example, crewmembers are less likely to feel vestibular disturbances when 

seated at a raised angle during vehicle motion versus a fully reclined position. Additionally, there are less 

disturbances to sensorimotor functioning when crew are facing the direction the vehicle is traveling. 

Tilting of the head during various phases of flight can contribute to sensorimotor dysfunction, with gravity 

environment adaptation and crew deconditioning greatly contributing to hypersensitivity to head 

movement. Limiting head movement during certain phases of flight (i.e., manual landing) and maintaining 

consistent orientation can help reduce these effects. Creating a smaller and more compact vehicle cabin 

can help to limit head and body movement during certain phases of flight and assist crewmembers in 

maintaining consistent orientation. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 provides requirements that limit hang time 

post-landing and posture requirements and use of restraints during various phases of flight.

Windows

Strategic placement of windows throughout a vehicle, particularly within a cockpit, provides surface-fixed 

visual references and visual cues that are consistent with vestibular and tactile cues, helping to reduce 

sensorimotor issues during piloting activities and gravity transitions. Window views that provide both 

forward and peripheral views of the horizon can aid crewmembers in maintaining spatial orientation, 

which leads to better sensorimotor functioning. Considerations should also be taken for the quality of 

window views with proper depth perception and reduced distortion. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 includes 

requirements for the provision of windows in vehicles as well as the window optical properties.

Orion cockpit layout and crewmember launch orientation

Seat roll angle (“clocking” or 

rotation of seats around the 

vehicle x-axis) and resultant 

occupant body roll angle 

within the vehicle may have 

a significant effect on the 

vestibular system, including 

spatial disorientation.

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

6

Handholds and translational aids

The inclusion of handholds and translational aids throughout a vehicle allows for crewmembers to safely 

move about the vehicle, particularly while experiencing sensorimotor issues. Design of hatches and 

doorways should consider the strategic placement of handholds and translational aids for crewmembers 

who may be experiencing sensorimotor decrements during ingress or egress activities. NASA-STD-3001 

Volume 2 has various requirements in hatch and doorway design, including guidelines for operating 

hatches and accommodating deconditioned crewmembers. Additionally, there are several requirements 

for the inclusion of mobility aids such as handholds and various restraint devices throughout a vehicle that 

are quickly discernable from surrounding structures, making them 

easily recognizable by 

crewmembers who may be 

experiencing sensorimotor 

symptomology. 

A requirement for intravehicular translation 

paths also levies guidelines for 

design of translation paths that 

can be safely accessed by 

crewmembers in a 

deconditioned state.

Skylab Internal Mobility Aid 

Locations

Crew interfaces

A system’s crew interfaces are vital components of design when addressing crewmember sensorimotor 

degradation. Crew interfaces are displays and controls through which static and dynamic information is 

exchanged between the crew and the system. Well-designed crew interfaces are critical for crew safety and 

productivity. Crew displays include visual and audio displays, haptic displays, labels, and communication 

systems. Accommodation of crewmembers who may be experiencing a decrement in sensorimotor 

processing should include careful consideration of the following: consistent orientation, font sizing and 

spacing, control locations and procedures, standardization and consistent layout, minimization of crew head 

movement, stability and reduced vibration of displays, and degraded visual capabilities. NASA-STD-3001 

Volume 2 includes many requirements dedicated to the appropriate design and implementation of crew 

interfaces, ensuring their usability across each stage of the mission, particularly at times when 

crewmembers may be experiencing sensorimotor symptomology. Additional requirements provide guidance 

on designing crew interfaces in relation to crew anthropometric characteristics and capabilities. 

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

7

Vehicle control and automation

The design consideration of vehicle controls is closely linked to crew interfaces. Appropriate design of 

controls and providing intuitive procedures is important in maintaining crewmember spatial orientation. 

Additionally, manual control interfaces should limit head movement by positioning critical controls within 

a narrow field of view. Critical switches, levers, and controls must also be safeguarded against inadvertent 

operation, particularly during off-nominal conditions or when crew may be experiencing sensorimotor 

decrements. Vehicles should also provide the option of increasing automation levels when the crew’s 

ability to pilot a vehicle is compromised. However, there are important guidelines to follow when 

developing vehicle automation levels. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 levies requirements for designing and 

implementing automated systems in vehicles, as well as control operating characteristics and handling 

qualities of vehicles defined by the Cooper-Harper Rating Scale, and crew interface requirements that 

provide guidelines to ensure strategic design and placement of controls that are usable by crew during all 

phases of a mission.

EVA suit design

Vision plays an important role in maintaining sensorimotor functioning of crewmembers in microgravity 

environments. Thus, considerations for EVA suit helmet and visor design, including optical qualities (i.e., 

glare, refractive distortion, sunlight attenuation), required head movement, and field of regard, are critical 

factors in designing for crew sensorimotor decrements. Additionally, crew physical workload while 

performing suited activities should be considered due to the deleterious effects of physical overload and 

crew sensorimotor functionality. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 includes multiple requirements for EVA suit 

design considerations that address these factors, including ability to work in suits (mobility, fatigue, etc.), 

suited field of view, helmet optical qualities and visual distortions, and physical workload limits. An 

additional requirement states that suits must have the capability to isolate vomitus in the event that a 

crewmember experiences spaceflight adaptation sickness (SAS) symptoms or sensorimotor 

degradation. The vomitus requirement has not been implemented in past programs due to flight rules 

that limit EVAs in the early stages of mission (immediately post g transitions) but should be considered for 

missions that require an EVA immediately post g transition such as landing on a celestial surface. 

Summary of Cockpit Design Considerations:

Cockpit Design

• Field of view – full (forward and peripheral)

• Crew position –head and body facing motion

• Instruments and displays – in line with 

motion

• Controls – intuitive, in line with motion

Technology & Training

• 3D audio

• Tactile displays

• Automation (phase- and task-dependent

EMU Helmet Field of View

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

8

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle (ESTV) Design

Similar to spaceflight vehicles, ESTVs must address potential contributors to sensorimotor decrements. 

Vibration, acceleration, posture and orientation, handholds and translational aids, crew interfaces, vehicle 

control, and automation may all contribute to sensorimotor functioning of crewmembers utilizing ESTVs. 

It is important to note that crewmembers may also be suited while operating an ESTVs, adding additional 

levels of complexity to the design. Pressurized ESTVs will also require added attention to windows and 

crew interfaces. Operational environment considerations will play a role in the overall ESTV design 

guidance, such as expected terrain, angles of translation, etc. ESTVs vibration design requirements have 

been developed to provide ESTVs design criteria to minimize the impact to crew health, including 

sensorimotor functioning considerations.

Example of operational flight rule from the International Space Station (ISS): No scheduled EVAs are to be 

performed prior to MET 72 hours. Rationale: During adaptation to zero-g conditions, moving about may 

provoke symptoms of illness. The activity associated with putting on a suit would increase the chance of an 

EVA crewmember being ill and potentially endanger the crewmember with vomitus in the suit. 

Impact of Design on Flight Rules and Operations

When discussing the potential design considerations that can promote mission success by either 

preventing sensorimotor degradation or accommodating crewmembers with sensorimotor functioning 

issues, it is important to mention that deliberate and strategic planning during the design phase can play a 

role in subsequent flight rules for a mission. More specifically, if appropriate design guidance is 

implemented from the beginning to prevent significant sensorimotor decrements among the crew and/or 

provide accommodations to crewmembers experiencing symptoms, required flight rules and mission 

operations are much less limiting. Shorter-duration lunar surface missions will have constrained 

operational time limits, thus providing a typical 48- to 72-hour adaption after landing on the Moon is not 

practical. It will be critical to ensure the suit facilitates easy movement and can accommodate vomitus. By 

designing vehicles/suits/etc. to prevent or accommodate sensorimotor decrements (i.e., providing emesis 

bags in EVA suits, reducing provocative motions when deploying EVA egress equipment), crew are able to 

perform mission objectives with less restrictive flight rules.

From: NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

9

Stages of a Mission and Relevant Design Considerations

Individual missions are comprised of different stages impacted by several types and degrees of 

sensorimotor decrements, various combinations of recommended countermeasures and operational rules 

(for example, limited performance requirements during the first days in orbit, avoidance of EVA during 

early on-orbit periods, etc.), and resulting design considerations to be incorporated at each stage. The 

figure below provides an overview of the individual stages of a mission and the recommended 

countermeasures to be implemented during each time period. 

Pharmaceutical Interventions

In general, pharmaceutical support is considered supplemental to operational actions that limit the 

provocation of SMS sequelae. However, such operational parameters may not be sufficient to avoid all 

SMS symptoms. Current clinical practice for the pharmaceutical management of SMS is variable and 

dependent on the personal preferences of crewmembers and their flight surgeons, individual 

susceptibility, and prior experience on orbit, if available. Medications commonly used to treat motion 

sickness terrestrially have had varying degrees of success, including diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, 

meclizine, and chlorpromazine (Barratt, Baker, & Pool, 2019). Case reviews from previous flights have 

determined that promethazine and scopolamine may be effective treatment options for SMS symptoms 

inflight (Davis, Jennings, & Beck, 1992; Barratt, Baker, & Pool, 2019).

Research and Ongoing Studies – Crew Training and Assessment

Research studies and data collection regarding sensorimotor functioning during spaceflight has been a 

large area of interest in the past, and ongoing studies continue to develop training strategies that could 

potentially decrease the impact of sensorimotor alterations on crew health and performance. While there 

is variability in the utilization of different training and countermeasure implementation and a lack of 

standard practices at this time, the results from previous research and data analyzation are being 

considered for further study or treatment options. Sensorimotor countermeasures development is a 

complicated problem and there are limited countermeasures that have been incorporated to date.

Phases of a Mission and Implementation of Sensorimotor Countermeasures and Operational Guidelines

12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Back-Up

10 12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Original  Rev A

• Updated information and standards to be consistent with 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev C and Volume 2 Rev D.

Major Changes Between Revisions

11 12/01/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Revision C

[V1 3003] In-Mission Preventive Health Care All programs shall provide training, in-mission capabilities, 

and resources to monitor physiological and psychosocial well-being and enable delivery of in-mission 

preventive health care, based on epidemiological evidence-based probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), 

individual crewmember needs, clinical practice guidelines, flight surgeon expertise, historical review, 

mission parameters, and vehicle derived limitations. These analyses consider the needs and limitations of 

each specific vehicle and design reference mission (DRM) with particular attention to parameters such as 

mission duration, expected return time to Earth, mission route and destination, expected radiation profile, 

concept of operations, and more. In-mission preventive care includes, but is not limited to: (see NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 Rev C for full technical requirement).

[V1 4006] In-Mission Fitness for Duty Sensorimotor In-mission Fitness-for-Duty technical requirements 

shall be guided by the nature of mission-associated critical operations (such as, but not limited to, vehicle 

control, robotic operations, EVAs).

[V1 4007] In-Mission Fitness-for-Duty Sensorimotor Metrics In-mission Fitness-for-Duty technical 

requirements shall be assessed using metrics that are task specific.

[V1 4008] Sensorimotor Performance Limits Sensorimotor performance limits for each metric shall be 

operationally defined. 

[V1 4009] Sensorimotor Countermeasures Countermeasures shall maintain function within performance 

limits.

[V1 4010] Post-Mission Sensorimotor Reconditioning Post-mission reconditioning shall be monitored and 

aimed at returning to baseline sensorimotor function.

[V1 5002] Crewmember Training Beginning with the astronaut candidate year, general medical training, 

including, but not limited to, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), altitude physiological training, 

carbon dioxide exposure training, familiarization with medical issues, procedures of space flight, 

psychological training, and supervised physical conditioning training shall be provided to the astronaut 

corps.

[V 5009] Physiological Exposure Mission Training Physiological training shall be provided to assist 

crewmembers with pre-mission familiarization to in-flight exposures including but not limited to: carbon 

dioxide [CO2] exposure training, hypoxia training/instruction, centrifuge, and high-performance aircraft 

microgravity adaptation training in preparation for each mission.

[V1 5009] Physiological Exposure Mission Training Physiological training designed to assist crewmembers 

with pre-mission familiarization to in-flight exposures (i.e., carbon dioxide [CO2] exposure training, hypoxia 

training/instruction, centrifuge, and high-performance aircraft microgravity adaptation training) in 

preparation for space flight shall be provided.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 6064] Sustained Translational Acceleration Limits The system shall limit the magnitude, direction, and 

duration of crew exposure to sustained (> 0.5 seconds) translational acceleration by staying below the limits 

in Figures 6.5-(2-7) and Tables 6.5-(1-6) for seated and standing postures.

Referenced Technical Requirements

12 12/01/2023

Rev A

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 6066] Sustained Rotational Acceleration Due to Cross-Coupled Rotation The system shall prevent the 

crew exposure to sustained (> 0.5 second) rotational accelerations caused by cross-coupled rotations 

greater than 2 rad/s2.

[V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits The 

extraterrestrial surface transport vehicle (ESTV) system shall limit the magnitude of crewmember exposure 

to sustained (>0.5 seconds) translational acceleration by staying below the limits in Table 6.5-10—

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits, which specify the ±Ax, 

±Ay, and ±Az translational acceleration limits appropriate for specific restraint conditions.

[V2 6093] Vibration Limits for Performance The system shall ensure the appropriate level of crew task 

performance (e.g., motor control accuracy and precision, vision/readability, speech clarity, attentional 

focus) during vibration by evaluating task performance under all expected (nominal and off-nominal) 

vibration levels.

[V2 6112] Hang Time Limit The system shall limit crew exposure to suspension trauma conditions to seven

minutes or less.

[V2 7038] Physiological Countermeasures Capability The system shall provide countermeasures to meet 

crew bone, muscle, sensorimotor, thermoregulation, and aerobic/cardiovascular requirements defined in 

NASA-STD-3001, Volume 1.

[V2 8042] Mobility Aid Provision Mobility aids shall be provided to support all expected suited and 

unsuited tasks.

[V2 8043] Window Provisioning The system shall provide windows with unobstructed fields of view for 

expected crew operations.

[V2 11024] Ability to Work in Suits Suits shall provide mobility, dexterity, and tactility to enable the 

crewmember to accomplish suited tasks within acceptable physical workload and fatigue limits while 

minimizing the risk of injury.

Section 10: Crew Interfaces

Referenced Technical Requirements

13 12/01/2023

Rev A

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website

Houston We Have a Podcast: 

NASA’s Neuroscience Lab is finding ways to help astronauts in reduced levels of gravity on future 

exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Ep263: A Delicate Balance | NASA
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference List

1. Risk of Altered Sensorimotor/Vestibular Function Impacting Critical Mission Tasks (Sensorimotor Risk). 

Human System Risk Board (HSRB) CR SA-03094. December 10, 2020. 

2. NASA SSP 50261-01: ISS Generic Groundrules, Requirements, and Constraints Part 1 

3. NASA SSP 50261-02: ISS Generic Groundrules and Constraints Part 2 

4. NSTS-12820 Space Shuttle Operational Flight Rules Volume A 

5. JSC-12820 ISS Generic Operational Flight Rules Volume B 

6. ACD-52105 Artemis Campaign Development (ACD) Medical Operations Requirements Document 

(MORD). 

7. JSC 24834, NASA Astronaut Medical Evaluation Requirements 

8. Vestibular System Anatomy. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from: 

https://www.britannica.com/science/vestibular-system

9. Appelbaum, M.L., and Wood, S.J. DVA as a Diagnostic Test for Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Function. NASA 

USRP – Internship Final Report. Retrieved from: 

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100030543/downloads/20100030543.pdf

10. Sensorimotor Guidelines for Exploration Design Reference Missions. Jan 5, 2022. 

11. Millard F. Reschke SJw, Deborah L Harm, Jacob J Bloomberg, William H. Paoski, Todd T. Schlegel, Gilles 

R. Clement. Neurovestibular/Sensorimotor System. In: Diana Risin PCS, ed. Biomedical Results of the 

Space Shuttle Program. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX: NASA; 2013:171-214. 

12. Barratt, MR, Baker, ES, & Pool, SL. (2019). Principles of Clinical Medicine for Spaceflight. Second 

Edition. 

13. Bear, MF, Connors, BW, & Paradiso, MA. (2015). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 

14. M.F. Reschke, I.B. Kozlovskaya, I.S. Kofman, E.S. Tomilovskaya, J.M. Cerisano, M.J.F. Rosenberg, J.J. 

Bloomberg, et al. (2017). Field Test: Results from the One Year Mission. 

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160013695

15. M.F. Reschke, I.B. Kozlovskaya, I.S. Kofman, E.S. Tomilovskaya, J.M. Cerisano, M.B. Stenger, et al. 

(2016). Bloomberg. Results From a Joint NASA and Russian Field Test of Sensorimotor and 

Cardiovascular Function Following Long Duration Spaceflight. 16th Conference on Space Biology and 

Aerospace Medicine: Moscow, Russia (Russian Academy ofSciences). 

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20140001114. Space Motion Sickness Treatment Poster, Christine 

Schwartz, David Alexander MD, October 2019. 

16. Blue, R. Use of Pharmaceuticals in Spaceflight: A historical review. Podium presentation presented at: 

AsMA Annual Conference, May 2019.

17. Johnston, RS, Dietlein, LF, Berry, CA, Parker, JF, West, V. (1975). Biomedical Results of Apollo. 

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19760005580

18. Jennings, RT. (1998). Managing space motion sickness. J Vestib Res Equilib Orientat, 8(1):67–70.

19. Davis JR, Jennings RT, Beck BG, Bagian JP. (1993). Treatment efficacy of intramuscular promethazine for 

space motion sickness. Aviat Space Environ Med, 64(3 Pt 1): 230–3.

20. Ortega H, Harm D, Reschke M. Space and Entry Motion Sickness. In: Barratt M, Baker E, Pool S, editors. 

Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight. Second Edition. S.l.: Springer-Verlag New York; 2019.

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NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-010

Sensorimotor Overview

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference List

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Impaired Control of Spacecraft/Associated Systems and Decreased Mobility Due to 

Vestibular/Sensorimotor Alterations Associated with Space flight. Human Research Program: Human 

Health Countermeasures Element.

22. Dixon, J., & Clark, T. (2020). Sensorimotor impairment from a new analog of spaceflight-altered 

neurovestibular cues. Journal of Neurophysiology, 209-223.

23. Human Integration Design Handbook. (2014, June 05). 

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1.pdf

24. Koppelmans, V., Bloomberg, J., De Dios, Y., Wood, S., Reuter-Lorenz, P., Kofman, I., . . . Seidler, R. 

(2017). Brain plasticity and sensorimotor deterioration as a function of 70 days head down tilt bed 

rest. PLOS One, 12(8).

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the 8 psia / 32% O2 Atmosphere on the Human in the Spaceflight Environment. NASA/TM-2013-

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locomotion, spatial orientation, and motion sickness as a. Brain Research Reviews, 28, 102-117.

27. Wood, S., Loehr, J., & Guilliams, M. (2011). Sensorimotor reconditioning during and after space flight. 

Neuro Rehabilitation, 29: 185-195.

28. NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision C. (2022). 

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29. Sensorimotor Guidelines for Exploration Design Reference Missions. 05 January 2022. Internal NASA 

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30. Moore, S.T., Dilda, V., and MacDougall, H.G. (2011). Galvanic vestibular stimulation as an analogue of 

spatial disorientation after spaceflight. Aviation Space Environment Medicine, 82(5): 535-542.

31. Macaulay, TR, Peters, BT, Wood, SJ, Clement, GR, Oddsson, L, Bloomberg, JJ. (2021). Developing 

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32. Lawson B. D., Rupert A. H., McGrath B. J. (2016). The Neurovestibular Challenges of Astronauts and 

Balance Patients: Some Past Countermeasures and Two Alternative Approaches to Elicitation, 

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33. Bloomberg, J. Human Systems Academy: Sensorimotor Alterations Associated with Space Flight. 

August 11, 2015. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSb8X63KRiU

34. Rosenberg, M. (2019). How to Prepare Humans for Space Travel. Available at: 

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35. Stepanek, J., Blue, R.S., and Parazynski, S. (2019). Space Medicine in the Era of Civilian Spaceflight. The 

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