A GAME FOR SPACE

摘要

As countermeasure to heavy workloads or monotony, astronauts have drawn on leisure activities imported from earth or invented in situ. Aside from consumption of media, physical exercise, earth observation, communication with ground or crew and the practising of instruments, also games play an important role. With a few exceptions, the emphasis, however, lies on virtual games and software applications.This paper presents a concept for a sociable strategy game for use in microgravity that relies on sphere-shaped game pieces in order to make the most of the kinetic and sensorial potential of reduced gravity conditions. Aside from play value and aesthetics of the reconfigurable modular game structure, the activity can maintain and enhance manual dexterity, mental alertness and social interaction amongst crew. The harnessing of these skills and abilities are vital for the success of long duration missions that are increasingly complex and demanding.After a review of play activities and their benefits in orbit to date, the need for an additional provision is identified. In response to this, the game concept is presented. Taking into account the situational constraints of human spaceflight, requirements and possible design solutions for the prototype are outlined. Further developments and research needs are indicated.