ABSTRACT
Human factors play a critically important role in ensuring that space vehicles, habitats, hardware, software, and procedures are designed to support successful crew performance in the hostile environment of space. Spaceflight stressors such as microgravity, radiation, isolation, and distance from the Earth present special challenges for astronauts, and these challenges will increase exponentially for future deep space crews. This chapter describes human factors research in the areas of physical, cognitive, and environmental factors related to human interaction with space-based systems. Topics highlighted include anthropometry, human–computer interaction, human-automation integration, visual performance under vibration, and fine motor skills.
