European Space Agency Astronaut Andre Kuipers

ISS031-E-084728 (15 May 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 31 flight engineer, performs a session of the Reaction Self-Test (Psychomotor Vigilance Self-Test on the ISS) protocol in the Unity node of the International Space Station. The experiment consists of a five-minute reaction time task that allows crew members to monitor the daily effects of fatigue on performance while on space station. The experiment provides objective feedback on neurobehavioral changes in attention, psychomotor speed, state stability, and impulsivity while on ISS missions, particularly as they relate to changes in circadian rhythms, sleep restrictions and extended work shifts.