Noise characteristics in spaceflight multichannel EEG

The cognitive performance of the crew has a major impact on mission safety and success in space flight. Monitoring of cognitive performance during long-duration space flight therefore is of paramount importance and can be performed using compact state-of-the-art mobile EEG. However, signal quality of EEG may be compromised due to the vicinity to various electronic devices and constant movements. We compare noise characteristics between in-flight extraterrestrial microgravity and ground-level terrestrial electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. EEG data recordings from either aboard International Space Station (ISS) or on earth's surface, utilizing three EEG amplifiers and two electrode types, were compared. In-flight recordings showed noise level of an order of magnitude lower when compared to pre- and post-flight ground-level recordings with the same EEG system. Noise levels between ground-level recordings with actively shielded cables, and in-flight recordings without shielded cables, were similar. Furthermore, noise level characteristics of shielded ground-level EEG recordings, using wet and dry electrodes, and in-flight EEG recordings were similar. Actively shielded mobile dry EEG systems will support neuroscientific research and neurocognitive monitoring during spaceflight, especially during long-duration space missions.

Automated summary

The cognitive performance of the crew is crucial for the safety and success of space flights. Monitoring cognitive performance during space missions is important and can be done using compact mobile EEG devices. However, the signal quality of EEG may be affected by nearby electronic devices and movements. This study compares the noise characteristics of EEG recordings in space and on the ground, and finds that in-flight recordings have significantly lower noise levels. Actively shielded mobile dry EEG systems can be used for neuroscientific research and cognitive monitoring during long-duration space missions.