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  • Policy and Coordination between Medical Operations & Behavioral Research

    Paper number

    IAC-19,A1,4,4,x51099

    Author

    Dr. Marc Shepanek, United States, NASA

    Coauthor

    Dr. Victor Schneider, United States, NASA

    Coauthor

    Dr. JD Polk, United States, NASA

    Year

    2019

    Abstract
    It is possible that long duration human space missions will increase behavioral health risk in individuals and/or small groups and it will be greater with increased distance from earth and the length of time spent on other planetary bodies. The concern is for both direct spaceflight challenges and related to the space explorer’s family back on earth. It may not be possible to adequately prepare for all psychological challenges that could occur.
         A mindful review of the likely challenges and potential coping strategies involved in an extended separation from loved ones is crucial. Extended separation from family involves life milestones for children, illness, addiction, career path choices, possible loss of family members, changes in the status of relationships, births. Physical challenges also need to be considered, from catastrophic events such as fires or floods, financial problems or windfalls.
         The time and distance involved in extended missions beyond Earth orbit include breaks in communication, potential extended cumulative exposure to damaging radiation and micro-gravity, all which are critical stressors for astronauts. Awareness of these conditions are critical for both crewmembers and mission control. Resources are needed to be in place for crew with careful training, on board technology, just in time training,and schedule design that addresses the full range of human response to physical, physiological and psychological stress. 
         A review of current NASA medical policy for medical operations and research will be presented to include:
     
    1)	 Family preparation
    	   Children growing up
    	   Death of family members
    	   Change in marital status
    	   Catastrophic occurrence
    	      Environmental Fires/flood
    	      Illness of family members including drug addiction
    	   Family celebrations/milestone
    2)	Astronaut preparation
    	   Communication with NASA and family
    	      Time delay
    	      Privacy
    	      Response time
    	         Day/night considerations
    	         Technology for anytime communication
    	            Cost, satellites etc.
    	         Voice mail
    	   Family celebrations/milestones
    	   Rest & recreation
    3)	Psychological Considerations for Ops
    	   Expert knowledge re long duration space flight
    	   Regular communication between psychologist, astronaut and astronaut family
    	      Astronaut self-evaluations
    	      Prevention – just in time training, condition
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,A1,4,4,x51099.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-19,A1,4,4,x51099.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.