Coreod Space unveiled a new solution that could be a part in the future of deep space exploration: the S.A.T (Space Agent Traveler) VR helmet. Combining AI and VR, this new science-based immersive solution helps astronauts on space missions survive and thrive by stimulating their cognitive and neuropsychological functions. Highly versatile, the solution can be integrated in any VR helmet, adapts to every user and is suitable for all isolated, confined, and extreme environments (I.C.E.).

Space is a very lonely place. Buzz Aldrin’s heart rate stayed at 88bpm during the launch for the first moon landing 50 years ago, but the Apollo 11 astronaut later acknowledged his psychological distress throughout the mission and described the surface of the moon as a “magnificent desolation”. Isolated, non-stimulating and highly stressful, the environment of even low Earth orbit is enough to drastically affect any space traveller’s mental health. The human mind is not built for this kind of environment – but adapting to it is not impossible.

VR therapy is becoming an increasingly popular way of treating e-mental health. However, few solutions adapt to the specific environment of astronauts and NASA, the European Space Agency, and other players are all looking at AI as a key part of future space exploration like the Artemis moon missions, or beyond.

Based on neuropsychological studies carried out at the Space Neuropsychology Lab (LIRNAS) for the past 10 years, Coreod Space developed a solution which is specifically designed for people in isolated, confined, and extreme environments (I.C.E.). Called S.A.T (Space Agent Traveller), its AI-powered VR helmet aims to stabilize the mind and emotions through tailor made digital therapies. More than just a stress relief tool, it implements neuropsychological protocols based on the principles of neuroplasticity which allow the brain to adapt and restructure its neuronal connections in response to a simulated environment. These protocols are adapted into immersive tailor made therapies by AI, enabling each user to remain in a mentally fit, resilient and mindful state. Tested in the simulated environment of the Space Neuropsychology Lab, the AI-powered VR helmet has had positive outcome: ^[1]

• 42% of sleep improvement
• 45% less anxiety and stress
• 37% mental relief

According to Dr. Elise Jabès, CEO and Founder of Coreod Space, “After more than 10 years of research and tests in neuropsychology, we are pleased to launch our AI-powered VR solution that will help astronauts stay in space longer by managing their stress and improving their cognitive functions in small, isolated habitats. It is crucial to ensure the success and safety of missions, from Earth to the Moon and on to Mars. S.A.T fundamentally embodies our mission: to enable individuals to conquer themselves through mastering their emotions and enhancing their potential”.

People in other fields share similar challenges as astronauts. They include deployed military personnel, submarine crews, offshore oil rig workers, scientists in remote research stations like Antarctica and even Polar explorers and mountaineers. The stakes are just as high. A study conducted by the University of Lorraine shows that 45% of French military personnel believe they suffer from stress management issues. In the United States, researchers from Boston University have revealed that among American military personnel deployed in the Middle East between 2001 and 2021, there were four times more suicides than combat deaths. The I.C.E. adaptation of the VR App S.A.T. is able to generate suitable digital protocols for each case scenario.

Future exploration missions like Mars will require a small team of astronauts to live and work in a confined environment the size of a studio apartment for as many as 3 years. As humans push deeper into space, Coreod Space continues its research to provide AI-enhanced immersive mental health support for crew members and anyone in I.C.E. environments. The company’s goal is to better address the challenges of long journeys, where the significant latency between Earth and Mars will cut off and deprive astronauts of any immediate contact. Ultimately, it aims to help extend the duration and efficiency of space missions by ensuring not only the astronauts’ mental robustness and adaptability, but also their emotional and cognitive well-being by closing the gap between Earth and Mars via true therapists in VR.