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Astronaut Training for
The Vestibular Team Experiments

Changes in the Balance System:
Studying the Ear Through the Eye

Click on image to see full sized

full description at right Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan, assisted by Alternate Payload Specialist Alex Dunlap, readies a crewmember for a run in the off-axis rotator. The system can be set up to spin with the crewmember sitting up or lying down. This picture shows the lying-on-back configuration.
the VVIS described at right standing still
The off-axis rotator spins to stimulate the inner ear. Also known as the Visual and Vestibular Integration System (VVIS), this centrifuge was developed by the European Space Agency for Neurolab. photo of off-axis rotator spinning

full description of photo at right Alternate Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai trains on the Virtual Environment Generator (VEG) hardware in the Spacelab mockup. This hardware supports the investigation "Role of Visual Cues in Spatial Orientation".
full description of photo at right Payload Specialist Jay Buckey retrieves support hardware from a locker. Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan trains on the Virtual Environment Generator (VEG). Mission Specialist Dave Williams prepares the rotator chair for operation with alternate Payload Specialist Alex Dunlap as the subject. The crew is training in the Spacelab mockup.
full description at right Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan ensures the head unit of the Visual and Vestibular Investigation System (VVIS) is properly configured for Payload Specialist Alex Dunlap during crew training in the Spacelab mockup.

 
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