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Autogenic-Feedback System-2 (AFS-2) Biofeedback Belt

Specifications

Autogenic-Feedback System-2 (AFS-2) Biofeedback Belt

Category

Science and Technology

Classification

CHENHALL - Personal Objects - Clothing - Clothing Accessories - Belt

Object Origin
Inventor:

Cowings, Dr. Patricia S. Ph.D. - N.A.S.A. Ames Research Center

Date In Use:

1992

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Four (4) blue (three (3) of a darker shade, and one brighter blue) metal blocks containing electronics. Three (3) matching blocks are connected to one another hinge connections, there is also a wide multicolor ribbon cable threading between all three. The brighter blue box is connected to the others wider clasp and a smaller multicolored cable. There is a sticker on the brighter blue box with handwriting in blue ink and typed black ink.

Marks: "Disconnect when/ not in use/ Battery Pack B/ Belt #1"

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 4.25 in, Width: 15 in, Depth: 2 in

Credit

Gift of Dr. Patricia S. Cowings, 1999.6.1A

Display Status

On Exhibit

Autogenic-Feedback System-2 (AFS-2) Biofeedback Belt

About: Autogenic-Feedback System-2 (AFS-2) Biofeedback Belt

About: Autogenic-Feedback System-2 (AFS-2) Biofeedback Belt

Astronaut Mae Jemison wore this belt with battery pack in space as part of the Autogenic Feedback Training Experiment (AFTE), intended to measure the way her body responded to weightlessness. She was a member of the crew of STS-47, the 50th Space Shuttle mission, which launched on September 12, 1992. The biofeedback system was developed and patented by Dr. Patricia S. Cowings, an aerospace psychophysiologist and the first American woman to be trained as a scientist astronaut (she was an alternate for space flight in 1979 but never traveled to space).


The objective of the Autogenic Feedback Training Experiment (AFTE), was to study the possibility of controlling space motion sickness and stress using biofeedback methods. Specifically, the system was designed to help reduce stress, improve focus and cognitive functions, and help astronauts increase their self-awareness. By mitigating the psychological and physiological stresses of space travel, astronauts would be able to spend longer periods of time in space, which is what they are able to do today in large part through this and other similar experiments.

Additional information

Copyright information

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