Light System Design Studies for Space Habitats 2000-01-2464

Human health and performance are influenced by environmental factors such as ambient light, sound and temperature of their habitat. As terrestrial inhabitants, humans are accustomed to the temporal changes of light and the body physiology and health are modulated by these environmental stimuli [27, 28, 30]. Therefore, optimizing key environmental factors like the lighting may enhance crew alertness and performance by promoting general health and a sense of well-being.

In order to assess strategies for enhanced crew productivity in this area, we propose a project to develop, test and apply intelligent (electronic) technologies for the simulation and modulation of environmental factors of human performance. Recent developments in illumination technology, including Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Systems, enable researchers to control color, intensity and phasing of light by direct computer-electronic interface. By such means, systems can be designed which are both robust and flexible enough to support variable tests of light cycles and their effect on a ground test group or an on-orbit team, without impairing vehicle general illumination or task lighting requirements.

Valuable as a means of increasing crew alertness and efficiency, this project is aimed at providing a real-time enhanced habitat and reducing the prophylactic entrainment time the crew currently dedicates to adjust their biological clocks to match activity schedules. We hypothesize that such an environmental optimization system would enhance alertness and performance of crews on long-duration space exploration missions by stabilizing their health and safety [11].