---
title: "Cosmonauts on the ISS find out how zero gravity «confuses» the brain during the «Virtual» experiment"
description: "Cosmonauts on the ISS conducted the «Virtual» scientific experiment using VR goggles to find out how zero gravity affects the human brain and vestibular system."
date: 2026-09-29T15:57:22.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/cosmonauts-find-out-how-zero-gravity-confuses-brain
tags: [iss, cosmonauts, space-research, virtual-experiment, zero-gravity, neuroscience]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Cosmonauts on the ISS find out how zero gravity «confuses» the brain during the «Virtual» experiment

![Cosmonaut in VR goggles conducts the Virtual experiment on the ISS](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/29/kosmonavty-vyyasnili-kak-nevesomost-putaet-mozg/kosmonavty-vyyasnili-kak-nevesomost-putaet-mozg-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The «Virtual» experiment on studying the impact of weightlessness on the brain has concluded on the ISS.
- Cosmonauts use VR goggles and special sensors to track eye movements.
- The collected data will help improve crew training for long-duration flights.

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have completed a series of research sessions as part of the scientific experiment «Virtual». This space program is designed to study in detail the complex mechanisms of human body adaptation to long-term orbital flight conditions, as well as to identify the features of interaction between the visual and vestibular systems in the absence of gravity.

### Essence and methodology of the «Virtual» experiment

In space flight conditions, familiar landmarks disappear, leading to severe disorientation and the so-called «space motion sickness». To understand exactly how the brain processes conflicting signals, cosmonauts use specialized VR goggles.  During the tests, a crew member must visually track the movement of a small target on a virtual screen moving along various trajectories.

### Technical details and data recording

The target on the screen can move smoothly or abruptly, sometimes accompanied by additional visual interference to complicate the task. Sensors built into the device and helmet record the slightest micro-movements of the eyes, allowing scientists on Earth to assess the degree of fatigue and visual tracking features.  The collection of biometric information is carried out cyclically: before the flight, directly during the stay in orbit, and upon return to Earth.

### Significance of the study for future missions

The data obtained during the «Virtual» experiment are of critical importance for planning future interplanetary expeditions and long-term manned flights. Based on the collected telemetry, experts will be able to significantly improve ground training programs for cosmonauts and develop new methods for preventing vestibular disorders in zero gravity.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Космонавты выяснили, как невесомость «путает» мозг](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2026/09/29/439041-kosmonavty-vyiasnili-kak-nevesomost-putaet-mozg.html) - Опубликованы детали научного эксперимента «Виртуал» на МКС.
- [На МКС провели эксперимент «Виртуал» с VR-очками](https://hi-tech.mail.ru/news/156594-kosmonavty-na-mks-proveryayut-v-vr-ochkah-kak-nevesomost/) - Подтверждено использование VR-очков для тестирования вестибулярного аппарата.
- [Как невесомость "путает" мозг: эксперимент "Виртуал" на МКС](https://news.rambler.ua/tech/57142696-kak-nevesomost-putaet-mozg-eksperiment-virtual-na-mks/) - Описаны цели и задачи исследования дезориентации космонавтов.
- [Космонавты на МКС провели эксперимент «Виртуал»](https://www.aex.ru/news/2026/9/29/299987/) - Подтверждено участие экипажа в серии тестов со зрительным слежением.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What is the «Virtual» experiment on the ISS?
**A:** It is a scientific study of the impact of weightlessness on the vestibular system and visual tracking using VR goggles and eye movement sensors.

### Q: Why does weightlessness confuse the human brain?
**A:** In the absence of gravity, the usual interaction of signals from sensory organs is disrupted, causing the brain to stop correctly determining the body's position in space.