Mission to Mars: The Psychological Hurdles
- Paper number
IAC-16,A1,1,6,x31808
- Coauthor
Prof. Nick Kanas, University of California, San Francisco, United States
- Year
2016
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A mission to Mars will introduce a number of unique psychological and interpersonal stressors that will affect the crewmembers. In planning for such an expedition, it is important to understand and prepare for dealing with these stressors. METHODS: A review was made of recent on-orbit studies in space and Mars simulation experiments on Earth that addressed psychosocial factors that may occur during a Mars mission. RESULTS: A number of psychological and interpersonal issues emerged that are relevant in planning for such a planetary trip. Most of these issues are related to the extreme distances involved; the resulting delay in communication between the crewmembers and supportive personnel on Earth; the increased autonomy that the crew will experience; the sense of loneliness and isolation that will occur; and the possible negative effects of the Earth-out-of-view phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: Possible countermeasures for dealing with psychological and interpersonal issues during a Mars expedition will be discussed. Ideas for future psychosocial research will be presented using a mission to the International Space Station as a simulation of the out-bound and return phases of a Mars expedition, and activities on the lunar surface or in a remote setting on Earth as a simulation of the planetary phase of a mission to Mars.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-16,A1,1,6,x31808.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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