Brain–machine interfaces in space: Using spontaneous rather than intentionally generated brain signals

Recent advances in non-invasive brain–machine or brain–computer interfaces (BMIs/BCIs) have demonstrated that humans can control computers or simple robotic devices using only brain signals. These successes have lead to the suggestion that BMIs could significantly improve the safety and efficiency of space operations. Electroencephalography (EEG) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based BMIs are most relevant for potential space applications due to their portability, non-invasiveness, and relative inexpensiveness. However, BMIs using these methods are limited in their speed, content, and accuracy of information transfer. In this paper, we suggest that the performance limitations of current BMIs may reflect the incomplete information of non-invasive signals rather than merely a lack of maturity of the technology. As an alternative to using BMIs for direct control, we describe how new research on monitoring spontaneously generated brain signals may be practically applied in space operations.