[History of vestibular-spatial orientation research].

In order to advance our scientific endeavors in the field of vestibular-spatial orientation research, it is important to know how much research has already been carried out, and how much accurate information we currently possess. It is mandatory to have sufficient background information in order to establish a solid working hypothesis utilizing insightful approaches. Accordingly, this historical survey covers various research endeavors from the beginning of aviation until the end of 2001, including Skylab, Microgravity Vestibular Investigations, and Neurolab.