Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen is poised to become the first ISS crew member to utilize these VR headsets for preventive mental health care during his six-month mission as the space station’s commander. This initiative recognizes the isolation that astronauts endure for “months and years at a time” while in space and aims to provide them with an avenue for relaxation, connection, and mental well-being.
One important consideration is internet connectivity, as astronauts would likely desire to connect with family and friends while using their VR headsets. In the past, ISS internet speeds were notably slow, resembling a dial-up connection akin to the internet of 1995. However, recent upgrades have significantly improved ISS internet speeds, now offering approximately 600 megabits-per-second (Mbps) connectivity. For context, the average download speed in the United States hovers around 135 Mbps. This enhanced connection is more than capable of supporting data-intensive VR applications, ensuring that astronauts can remain connected to their loved ones and engage in enriching VR experiences.
