Addressing key psychological and physiological factors in preparation for long duration manned missions - suggested adaptation of current astronaut training
- Paper number
IAC-18,B3,9-GTS.2,10,x44485
- Author
Ms. Aline Decadi, France, HE Space Operations
- Coauthor
Mr. Karoly Schlosser, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Laura Bettiol, Italy, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
- Coauthor
Ms. Audrey Berquand, United Kingdom, University of Strathclyde
- Coauthor
Mr. Mark Fittock, Germany, OHB System AG
- Coauthor
Mr. Jerome Gilleron, United States, Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Aerospace Engineering
- Coauthor
Ms. Maria Grulich, Netherlands Antilles, ESA - European Space Agency
- Coauthor
Mr. Joao Lousada, Germany, GMV Insyen AG
- Coauthor
Ms. Dorottya Milankovich, Hungary, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
- Coauthor
Ms. Tajana Lucic, Croatia, Space Exploration Project group, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
- Coauthor
Ms. Fabiana Milza, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome
- Coauthor
Mr. Michael Elsen, Germany, ZARM University of Bremen
- Coauthor
Dr. Ilaria Cinelli, United States, Tufts University
- Year
2018
- Abstract
Long-duration human space flight missions (longer than 6 months) create new challenges in space exploration. Maintaining crew well-being and performance is critical for the success of these missions. In addition to physiological effects (e.g. due to microgravity or radiation), experiments have demonstrated that in this extreme environment, long-term spaceflight can have adverse psychological and sociological effects on the crew. The Space Exploration Working Group of the 2nd and 3rd “European - Space Generation Workshops” (E-SGW) organized by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in Paris, France in March 2017 and in Bucharest, Romania in March 2018 set out the following topics that will be addressed in this paper: 1) Identify physiological and psychosocial risks for long-duration manned missions; 2) Propose mitigation measures against these detrimental health effects and impact they could have; 3) Consider if the astronaut selection process and training could be adapted to the needs of future missions. Physiological risks are dominated by the effects of radiation and microgravity causing a myriad of potential short and long term health issues for astronauts. Medical challenges need to be addressed not only with technical countermeasures, but also considering crucial factors such as team composition and training. Potential psychological disorders include a wide range of mental health problems (for example chronic stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, psychosis, psychosomatic illness, mood disorders) that are not only detrimental to the astronaut, but also reduce productivity. Interpersonal challenges that could develop in such conditions include a tendency to avoid social contact, as well as tension and conflicts arising within the team, which increase with the duration of the mission and distance from Earth, as the crew becomes more isolated. The breadth of the identified psychological problems needs the implementation of countermeasures to minimize the effects of this stress-inducing environment. Suggested evidence-based and applied psychological approaches in contextual behavioural science could successfully reduce the stress imposed and increase psychological well-being, team cohesion and performance of the crew. A range of potential changes to current selection and training techniques for long-term missions is discussed focusing on selection criteria, to ensure a complementary interpersonal mix within teams, and training to support both the physical and psychological demands and endurance required for long-term space travel. The presented topic will be examined interdisciplinarily, and will aim to identify a practical and pragmatic approach to enable human spaceflight, balancing risk acceptance versus risk mitigation.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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