This website could be intermittent Saturday Mar 30, 2024 starting 7PM until next day 11AM Eastern Time due to server/facility maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

Menu

 

The NASA Task Book
Advanced Search     

Project Title:  Mars Adaptive Training Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS) to Improve Operational Performance and Its Neural Basis for Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2024 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Start Date: 12/17/2021  
End Date: 03/31/2026  
Task Last Updated: 10/17/2023 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Stahn, Alexander  Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry 
423 Guardian Dr, 1016 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4865 
Email: astahn@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9667  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Basner, Mathias  M.D., Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Dinges, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Kuehn, Simone  Ph.D. Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany 
Roalf, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Mühl, Christian  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Gerlach, Darius  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Gur, Ruben  University of Pennsylvania 
Johannes, Bernd  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Piechowski, Sarah  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Bell, Suzanne  NASA Johnson Space Center 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Dr. Suzanne Bell (NASA Johnson Space Center) was added as the Institutional PI for the HERA study, replacing Dr. Loerch.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC22K0648 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Whitmire, Alexandra  
Center Contact:  
alexandra.m.whitmire@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14931 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2020-2021 HERO 80JSC020N0001-HHP, OMNIBUS3 Human Research Program: Human Health & Performance Appendix E; Omnibus3-Appendix F 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC22K0648 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: Note: End date changed to 03/31/2026 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/16/22).

Task Description: With prolonged mission durations, spaceflight crews will become increasingly dependent on onboard technologies for knowledge acquisition and maintenance. It is expected that not all skills and knowledge required for these missions can be retained and retrieved based on pre-mission training alone. Limited and delayed communication will significantly constrain support from Mission Control and crews will increasingly rely on autonomous onboard technologies to successfully perform post-landing operations. With the present project we will target NASA’s particular interest in developing and assessing an adaptive, just-in-time countermeasure that will consolidate and improve skills that are most relevant to space flight operations. To achieve this aim, NASA established a Virtual NASA Specialized Center of Research (VNSCOR) referred to as “Mars Adaptive Training Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS)”, comprising the following three projects: (1) “Trinity – Multi-Environment Virtual Training for Long Duration Exploration Missions”, PI: A. Anderson (UC Boulder); (2) “Morpheus – A Haptic Sensory Supplement to Optimize In-Flight Adaptive Training for Human Control of Spacecraft Robotic Arms”, PI: S. Robinson, UC Davis); and the present project “Neo – Adaptive Training integrative knowledge System to Improve Operational Performance and its Neural Basis for Spaceflight” (UPenn, PI: A.C. Stahn). Neo leverages a validated workstation called 6DF that simulates a rendezvous and docking maneuver using real spacecraft flight dynamics. It is designed to (1) train and improve sensorimotor skills relevant for inflight and post-landing operational tasks; (2) feature an autonomous and adaptive training approach that does not rely on feedback from flight operations on the ground; (3) maximize the transfer of mission-relevant motor skills; (4) allow the assessment of the neural circuitry underlying the task; and (5) deliver the training in a motivating and meaningful way to astronauts. Neo comprises two overarching aims: First, we will identify the neural circuitry underlying spaceflight relevant tasks by performing a subset of the 6DF task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a total of up to N=30 subjects with varying levels of 6DF training experience. Second, as part of the above-mentioned VNSCOR MATRIKS the proposed 6DF autonomous intelligent tutor system will be integrated in an additive manner with a haptic feedback intervention (Morpheus), and a multi-environment virtual trainer (Trinity). It is expected that Neo, Morpheus and Trinity mutually complement each other to facilitate an effective countermeasure tool to acquire and retain operational skills that are critical for exploration class missions. To assess the efficacy of this combined effort, the VNSCOR MATRIKS will collect data in N=16 crew members in one HERA campaign of 45 days duration with N=16 crew members (four missions with N=4 crewmembers each). The primary goal is to identify changes in operational performance as assessed by NASA’s simulator of Canadarm2 operations, i.e., Robotic On-board Trainer (ROBoT-r) in response to MATRIKS. As part of Neo we will also identify if, and to what extent MATRIKS will promote transfer to general cognitive performance (Cognition battery), distinctive visuo-spatial tasks critical for telerobotic tasks (Spatial Cognition battery), and affect brain structural changes and the neural circuitry of key brain networks expected to be relevant for spaceflight-related performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The expected significance of this 4-year project relates to its relevance for facilitating effective countermeasure tools to acquire and retain operational skills that are critical for exploration class missions. At the conclusion of the research, we will have defined and demonstrated the use of a neuroscience-based, adaptive training integrative knowledge system to potentially mitigate visuo-spatial and sensorimotor brain changes associated with prolonged isolation and confinement to reduce the likelihood or impact of potential decrements in human performance capabilities during long-duration space missions. Together, these data will data will help mission planners to ensure safe and successful space exploration class missions. It is possible that the results from this project also translate to situations on Earth where fine motor skills are essential such as robot-assisted surgery.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2024 
Task Progress: The timeline for the start of the in-lab study at the German Space Agency, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) has been delayed by 6 months because of changes regarding the instrument for issuing the subcontract to DLR. Following the signing of the contract by both the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and DLR in June 2023, all data were successfully collected between July and September. The delay of the study is not considered a concern for the overall project timeline. In response to the delay of the NASA Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) campaign C8, which is tentatively scheduled for 01/2025 to 12/2025, NASA requested to propose a supplement, which was submitted in June and revised in October 2023.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 02/16/2022) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2024
Project Title:  Mars Adaptive Training Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS) to Improve Operational Performance and Its Neural Basis for Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2023 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Start Date: 12/17/2021  
End Date: 03/31/2026  
Task Last Updated: 10/17/2022 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Stahn, Alexander  Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry 
423 Guardian Dr, 1016 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4865 
Email: astahn@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9667  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Basner, Mathias  M.D., Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Dinges, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Kuehn, Simone  Ph.D. Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany 
Roalf, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Loerch, Linda  M.S. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Mühl, Christian  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Gerlach, Darius  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Gur, Ruben  University of Pennsylvania 
Johannes, Bernd  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Piechowski, Sarah  German Aerospace Agency (DLR) 
Bell, Suzanne  NASA Johnson Space Center 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: CoInvestigators changed since writing of the proposal as follows; Pete Roma and Sara Whiting changed positions and were therefore deleted from the team. Dr. Suzanne Bell (NASA Johnson Space Center) was added as the lead for the HERA study. Drs. Christian Mühl and Darius Gerlach (German Aerospace Agency) were in support of the study conducted at DLR :envihab.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC22K0648 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Whitmire, Alexandra  
Center Contact:  
alexandra.m.whitmire@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14931 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2020-2021 HERO 80JSC020N0001-HHP, OMNIBUS3 Human Research Program: Human Health & Performance Appendix E; Omnibus3-Appendix F 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC22K0648 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: Note: End date changed to 03/31/2026 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/16/22).

Task Description: With prolonged mission durations, spaceflight crews will become increasingly dependent on onboard technologies for knowledge acquisition and maintenance. It is expected that not all skills and knowledge required for these missions can be retained and retrieved based on pre-mission training alone. Limited and delayed communication will significantly constrain support from Mission Control and crews will increasingly rely on autonomous onboard technologies to successfully perform post-landing operations. With the present project we will target NASA’s particular interest in developing and assessing an adaptive, just-in-time countermeasure that will consolidate and improve skills that are most relevant to space flight operations. To achieve this aim, NASA established a Virtual NASA Specialized Center of Research (VNSCOR) referred to as “Mars Adaptive Training Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS)”, comprising the following three projects: (1) “Trinity – Multi-Environment Virtual Training for Long Duration Exploration Missions”, PI: A. Anderson (UC Boulder); (2) “Morpheus – A Haptic Sensory Supplement to Optimize In-Flight Adaptive Training for Human Control of Spacecraft Robotic Arms”, PI: S. Robinson, UC Davis); and the present project “Neo – Adaptive Training integrative knowledge System to Improve Operational Performance and its Neural Basis for Spaceflight” (UPenn, PI: A.C. Stahn). Neo leverages a validated workstation called 6DF that simulates a rendezvous and docking maneuver using real spacecraft flight dynamics. It is designed to (1) train and improve sensorimotor skills relevant for inflight and post-landing operational tasks; (2) feature an autonomous and adaptive training approach that does not rely on feedback from flight operations on the ground; (3) maximize the transfer of mission-relevant motor skills; (4) allow the assessment of the neural circuitry underlying the task; and (5) deliver the training in a motivating and meaningful way to astronauts. Neo comprises two overarching aims: First, we will identify the neural circuitry underlying spaceflight relevant tasks by performing a subset of the 6DF task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a total of up to N=30 subjects with varying levels of 6DF training experience. Second, as part of the above-mentioned VNSCOR MATRIKS the proposed 6DF autonomous intelligent tutor system will be integrated in an additive manner with a haptic feedback intervention (Morpheus), and a multi-environment virtual trainer (Trinity). It is expected that Neo, Morpheus and Trinity mutually complement each other to facilitate an effective countermeasure tool to acquire and retain operational skills that are critical for exploration class missions. To assess the efficacy of this combined effort, the VNSCOR MATRIKS will collect data in N=16 crew members in one HERA campaign of 45 days duration with N=16 crew members (four missions with N=4 crewmembers each). The primary goal is to identify changes in operational performance as assessed by NASA’s simulator of Canadarm2 operations, i.e., Robotic On-board Trainer (ROBoT-r) in response to MATRIKS. As part of Neo we will also identify if, and to what extent MATRIKS will promote transfer to general cognitive performance (Cognition battery), distinctive visuo-spatial tasks critical for telerobotic tasks (Spatial Cognition battery), and affect brain structural changes and the neural circuitry of key brain networks expected to be relevant for spaceflight-related performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The expected significance of this 4-year project relates to its relevance for facilitating effective countermeasure tools to acquire and retain operational skills that are critical for exploration class missions. At the conclusion of the research, we will have defined and demonstrated the use of a neuroscience-based, adaptive training integrative knowledge system to potentially mitigate visuo-spatial and sensorimotor brain changes associated with prolonged isolation and confinement to reduce the likelihood or impact of potential decrements in human performance capabilities during long-duration space missions. Together, these data will data will help mission planners to ensure safe and successful space exploration class missions. It is possible that the results from this project also translate to situations on Earth where fine motor skills are essential such as robot-assisted surgery.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2023 
Task Progress: The primary objectives for Year 1 were to continue the preparation of the integrated Mars Adaptive TRaining Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS) Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) campaign, and to validate and optimize the task functional imaging protocol simulating a spaceflight maneuver, which will leverage a subtask of the proposed 6DF training system. The following project milestones were achieved in the first year of the study:

1. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for in-lab study was granted by the University of Pennsylvania. Since the study is conducted at the German Aerospace Agency (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt / DLR) additional IRB approval was required by local German authorities. The local German IRB approval was granted in August 2022. 2. The experimental design for the functional imaging was optimized to maximize scientific return, costs, subject burden, and technical limitations. 3. Completion of experimental design and software integration for delivering the task in the scanner. 4. Design of hardware setup and its demonstration for administering the task in the scanner. 5. Identification/delivery of hardware to DLR. 6. Standard operating procedures (SOP) / Familiarization of DLR staff: Statements of procedures or other materials have been prepared to prepare and assist DLR with the correct implementation of all measures, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition, and the administration of the test batteries: Cognition and Spatial Cognition. 7. Subject recruitment has started. The target sample size comprises N=30 subjects, including individuals naïve to the training system, and those characterized by a history of extensive training with the spaceflight task. It was planned that the groups would be represented in an equal ratio, but if that cannot be reached, a ratio of 1:2 (N=10 for the expert subjects and N=20 for the naïve subjects) will also be acceptable. Currently, a total of N=10 experts, i.e., subjects with significant experience of the task, and N=20 naïve subjects have been successfully recruited. 8. Data collection: The data collection is expected to start at the end of 2022.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 02/16/2022) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2023
Project Title:  Mars Adaptive Training Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS) to Improve Operational Performance and Its Neural Basis for Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Start Date: 12/17/2021  
End Date: 03/31/2026  
Task Last Updated: 04/14/2022 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Stahn, Alexander  Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry 
423 Guardian Dr, 1016 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4865 
Email: astahn@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9667  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Basner, Mathias  M.D., Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Dinges, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Gur, Ruben  Ph.D. The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania 
Johannes, Bernd  Ph.D. Deutsches Zentrum Fuer Luft- Und Raumfahrt E.V, Germany 
Kuehn, Simone  Ph.D. Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany 
Piechowski, Sarah  M.S. Deutsches Zentrum Fuer Luft- Und Raumfahrt E.V, Germany 
Roalf, David  Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 
Roma, Peter  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Whiting, Sara  Ph.D. NASA/Lyndon B Johnson Space Center 
Loerch, Linda  M.S. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC22K0648 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Whitmire, Alexandra  
Center Contact:  
alexandra.m.whitmire@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14931 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2020-2021 HERO 80JSC020N0001-HHP, OMNIBUS3 Human Research Program: Human Health & Performance Appendix E; Omnibus3-Appendix F 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC22K0648 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:  
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HFBP:Human Factors & Behavioral Performance (IRP Rev H)
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: Note: End date changed to 03/31/2026 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/16/22).

Task Description: Future long-duration space expeditions will be one of the most difficult, dangerous, and dynamic operations in history, ranging from Earth orbit operations to planetary and universe exploration. With prolonged mission durations, spaceflight crews will become increasingly dependent on onboard technologies for knowledge acquisition and maintenance. It is expected that not all skills and knowledge required for these missions can be retained and retrieved based on pre-mission training alone. With the present proposal, we will target NASA’s particular interest in assessing a Mars Adaptive TRaining Integrative Knowledge System (MATRIKS) as a countermeasure that is based on scientific principles of learning, retention, and transfer that are most relevant to spaceflight operations. The system leverages a previously developed and validated workstation that simulates a rendezvous and docking maneuver using real spacecraft flight dynamics. It is designed to (1) train and improve sensorimotor skills relevant for inflight and post-landing operational tasks; (2) feature an autonomous and adaptive training approach that does not rely on feedback from flight operations on the ground; (3) maximize the transfer of mission-relevant motor skills; (4) allow the assessment of the neural circuitry underlying the task; and (5) deliver the training in a motivating and meaningful way to astronauts. Using NASA’s high-fidelity Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) we will identify if, and to what extent, MATRIKS will improve operational performance using the NASA Robotics On-board Trainer for Research (ROBoT-r) and promote transfer to general cognitive performance (Cognition battery) and distinctive visuo-spatial tasks critical for telerobotic tasks (Spatial Cognition battery). Using state-of-the-art multi-modal neuroimaging, we will also target NASA’s particular interest in assessing the brain structural changes and the neural circuitry of key brain networks expected to be relevant for spaceflight-related performance. By performing a subset of the MATRIKS spacecraft docking in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, we will also be able to provide valuable information regarding NASA’s target in identifying the neural circuitry associated with operationally relevant tasks. The expected significance of this project relates to its relevance for facilitating effective countermeasure tools to acquire and retain operational skills that are critical for exploration class missions. The project is designed to be integrated into a Virtual NASA Specialized Center of Research (VNSCOR) promoting maximal synergies between the validation of the proposed adaptive training system, other countermeasures relevant to enhancing sensorimotor performance, and animal models applying an adaptive training program to stimulate motor performance and its neural circuitry. At the conclusion of the research, we will have (1) defined and demonstrated the use of a neuroscience-based, adaptive training integrative knowledge system to potentially mitigate visuo-spatial and sensorimotor brain changes associated with prolonged isolation and confinement to reduce the likelihood or impact of potential decrements in human performance capabilities during long-duration space missions; (2) performed an integrative assessment and testing of the adaptive visuo-motor training system based on meaningful tasks relevant to spaceflight in a high-fidelity spaceflight analog, and including the identification of potential interactions with other mission-relevant operational training procedures; and (3) identified specific brain structural and functional region changes in response to the proposed adaptive visuo-motor training program.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: New project for FY 2022.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 02/16/2022) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2022