A Game for Space
- Paper number
IAC-08.E5.3.8
- Author
Mrs. Sandra Haeuplik-Meusburger, UT Vienna, Austria
- Coauthor
Dr. Manuela Aguzzi, ALTEC S.p.A., Germany
- Coauthor
Ms. Regina Peldszus, Kingston University, United Kingdom
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Living and working in microgravity puts strain on the human entity - physically, psychologically and socially. Subjected to high workloads under a tight schedule within a confined environment, astronauts have drawn on leisure activities imported mostly from Earth. Whether playing guitar, piano, golf, frisbee or even with food and drinks, a lot of these activities feature remarkably sensorial and interactive aspects. Not only in a space context, play as a social or solitary activity is used as catalyst for personal and interpersonal tension, stress relief, and stimulant of creativity and problem solving. Therefore games might be an essential tool for the crew to release interpersonal tensions and also to encourage activity, interactivity and creativity – the latter one especially important with respect to future long-term missions. What could a simple, modular, expendable game system look like that encourages tactile, interactive, complex and competitive play? How can the inherent properties of microgravity be used to support the physical structure, and enhance play value? What would the dynamics and benefits of such a system be? This paper presents an experimental concept of an interactive, microgravity based game for use on the ISS and future long duration missions. Inspired by popular and common strategic board games, the set consists of an easy, light and modular system to be strategically connected in clusters. The resulting structure can hover or be anchored to the existing Velcro-based restraint infrastructure on station. For any number of players, the game can be played solitary or socially in a short or long time frame. Following a review of games played during missions, their impact and related research issues, the paper outlines the concept of the game and its benefits. It iterates production process and material choice of the modular system, points out future possibilities of development and integration of additional features and presents a ready-to-use prototype for demonstration on usability.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E5.3.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.