iCapture45 - Demonstration of the use of the iCapture instrument for performing a high-quality scan for monitoring the retinal changes and changes in the ocular structure, caused due to being in microgravity conditions in space

It has been discovered in recent years that being in microgravity conditions in space can induce anatomical and physiological changes in the optical nerve, in the retina and in the fundoscopy structure - and most astronauts returning from prolonged missions in space have reported eyesight damage, which for part of them has become chronic. The causes of this phenomenon, known as Space Flight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) are unclear, partly due to the fact that it is difficult to conduct good quality monitoring while on the International Space Station. Since this phenomenon places the crews of prolonged missions in jeopardy, it is imperative that the causes of SANS be understood and a solution be found, before manned missions can be launched to explore deep space.

In this experiment, the scientists seek to demonstrate the capabilities of the iCapture45 instrument, developed by the Spring Vision start-up, which is based on patents developed at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at the Sheba Medical Center. Using an innovative multispectral sensor and advanced algorithmics, the instrument provides high-resolution scans of the fundus, enabling identification of the changes related to SANS. Comprehensive fundoscopic scans are going to be conducted on the Rakia mission crew during their stay at the ISS and the changes in their fundus are going to be monitored. The experiment will examine the ability of the instrument, which is suited to operate in microgravity, to provide a solution for understanding this phenomenon and its causes.