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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.

Habitability and human factors are necessary criteria to include in the iterative process of Tier-one vehicle and mission design. Bringing these criteria in at the first, conceptual stage of design for exploration and other human-rated missions can greatly reduce mission development costs, raise the level of efficiency and viability, and improve the chances of success. In offering a rationale for this argument, the authors give an example of how the habitability expert can contribute to early mission and vehicle architecture by defining the formal implications of a habitable vehicle, assessing the viability of units already proposed for exploration missions on the basis of these criteria, and finally, by offering an optimal set of solutions for an example mission.