Dr. Michaela Musilova argues that underwater habitats provide a critical, accessible method for simulating long-duration space missions. Musilova, who commanded the SEA STAR mission, spent five days at the Jules’ Undersea Lab near Key Largo, Florida, to study the physiological and cognitive effects of saturation—a state where body tissues absorb the maximum amount of inert gas for a specific depth and pressure.
SEA STAR Crew Tests Cognitive Function at Jules’ Undersea Lab
The SEA STAR mission operated 22 feet (7 meters) underwater, serving as a “wet ISS” to mirror the challenges faced by astronauts on the International Space Station. Musilova led a crew of experienced divers and analog astronauts to conduct research that would be too resource-intensive to perform in orbit.
Musilova’s primary scientific project focused on whether pressure alters reaction times and cognitive abilities. This study was conducted in collaboration with the City Hospital Ostrava and the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
Did you know? An aquanaut is defined as an undersea explorer who remains underwater for more than 24 hours without returning to the surface.
Pressure Changes Cause Barotrauma in Microgreens
The mission included botanical experiments led by Health & Safety Officer Dr. Brandy Nunez. The crew grew kale and super salad mix to determine how microgreen seeds react to different pressure settings during descent.
Musilova notes that seeds transferred using a sudden pressure release experienced barotrauma, which is damage caused by a rapid increase in air pressure. This contrasted with seeds that underwent a gradual pressure release, which did not show the same damage.
Environmental Sensors and Underwater Spacewalks
The crew performed “spacewalks”—scuba dives used for neutral buoyancy experiments—and tested environmental sensors developed by university and high school students in Slovakia. These sensors provided data on the living conditions of the habitat to supplement the cognitive study, according to Musilova.
Beyond research, the crew used an underwater vacuum device to perform conservation work around the lab. Musilova also coordinated outreach by providing a tour of the habitat to the Cosmic Region, a simulated space station located in Slovakia.
Mission Detail: Musilova describes the “underview effect,” a feeling of longing and determination to protect Earth triggered by seeing sunlight through the water, similar to the “overview effect” reported by astronauts in space.
Challenges of Saturation Diving
While the mission served as a successful analog, Musilova highlights several deterrents to undersea living. She cites constant loud noise from life support systems, plumbing failures in the bathroom, and health concerns related to living under pressure. Low visibility during scuba dives required extreme caution during external operations.
Common Questions About the SEA STAR Mission
Where is the Jules’ Undersea Lab located?
The lab is situated 22 feet (7 meters) underwater near Key Largo, Florida.
Which institutions collaborated on the cognitive research?
The study involved the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava and City Hospital Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
How long did the SEA STAR crew remain underwater?
The crew was separated from the surface for five days.
Musilova has led 40 simulated space missions prior to this underwater assignment.