A Brazilian actigraph monitored astronaut sleep during Artemis II

The Artemis II mission, which orbited the Moon in April, relied on a device developed at the University of São Paulo (USP) to monitor astronauts' sleep and biological rhythms. The actigraph provided real-time data on circadian patterns, helping NASA assess how space conditions affect human health and performance.

Worn on the wrist, the actigraph continuously records body movement, physical activity, light exposure, and sleep-wake cycles. Unlike standard trackers, it measures the full light spectrum, including blue light, which plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms. This feature is crucial in space, where natural day-night cycles don't exist.

Developed under the coordination of professor Mario Pedrazzoli at USP's School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, the project was funded by Fapesp's Pipe program. Condor Instruments, a local company, handles commercial production. The device is already used in clinical and epidemiological studies on Earth, offering high accuracy at a low cost.

In space missions, continuous monitoring helps prevent sleep disorders, fatigue, and operational errors. "Circadian rhythm control is critical for crew safety and performance", as reported by Exame, which revealed the device's involvement. NASA used the data to adjust lighting schedules, work shifts, and rest periods during the flight.

Beyond space exploration, the actigraph holds promise for public health policies. It enables detailed tracking of sleep habits across populations, supporting interventions in mental health, urban planning, and education. USP highlights its scalability for large-scale studies due to its reliability and affordability.

The inclusion of Brazilian technology in a NASA mission underscores the global impact of academic research. It's not just a tool for astronauts, but a solution with everyday applications. "This device shows how applied science can transcend borders", is one of the key takeaways from the development team.