In NASA’s target landing regions, the sun can reach at most 7 degrees above the horizon. Human eyes struggle to see into bright light and to adapt quickly between brightness and darkness, making it harder to spot hazards or operate equipment, NASA said. [S1]
The assessment identified a practical gap: a spacesuit may have flexibility requirements for walking without requirements to ensure an astronaut can see well enough to move from brilliant sunlight into shadow and back without risking a trip or fall. NASA’s assessment team recommended integrating lighting, window and visor designs across programs so they support vision together. [S1]
The team also recommended physical and virtual simulations with clearly defined capabilities. Some would test helmet shields and artificial lighting against sunlight and eye-adaptation times; others would add terrain to examine hazards during walking, sample collection and equipment work. Characterizing each facility’s strengths and limits would help verify technical solutions and train crews, the assessment said. [S1]
Source documents
- Characterizing the Visual Experience of Astronauts at the Lunar South Polehttps://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/nesc/characterizing-the-visual-experience-of-astronauts-at-the-lunar-south-pole/