Space Psychology and Psychiatry (PDFDrive) PDF

SPACE PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY

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Space Psychology
and Psychiatry
by
Nick Kanas, M.D.

Professor of Psychiatry,
University of California/San Francisco,
and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Dietrich Manzey, Ph.D.

Professor of Work, Engineering,
and Organizational Psychology,
Department of Psychology and Ergonomics,
Berlin Institute of Technology, Berlin, Germany
Published jointly by
Microcosm Press
El Segundo, California
123
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Cover Photo of Earth from Space: View of Africa and the Indian Ocean taken in Dec. 1972,
by Apollo 17, the last of the Apollo missions to explore the Moon. Photo Courtesy of NASA.
Cover design by Jeanine Newcomb and Joy Sakaguchi.
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Contents
(Underlined sections emphasize empirical work conducted in space)
Preface (1st Edition) xi
Preface (2nd Edition) xv
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Humans in space 1

1.2. Stressors and stress in space 1
1.3. Sources of information 3
1.3.1. Anecdotal reports 3
1.3.2. Space analog and simulation studies 3
1.3.2.1. Settings 3
1.3.2.2. Relevance to actual space missions 4
1.3.3. Research in space 5
1.4. Basic assumptions 6
1.4.1. Human performance 6
1.4.2. Crew heterogeneity 6
1.4.3. Cultural differences 7
1.4.4. Time effects 7
1.4.5. Crew-ground relationship 8
1.4.6. Psychological countermeasures 8
1.5. Summary 9
References 10
2. Basic Issues Of Human Adaptation to Space Flight 15
2.1. Space as an extreme environment 15

2.2. Issues of physiological adaptation 16
2.2.1. Cardiovascular system 17
2.2.2. Vestibular and sensory-motor system 19
2.2.3. Musculo-skeletal system 23
2.2.4. Physiological deconditioning and countermeasures 24
2.3. Sleep and circadian rhythms 27
2.3.1. Empirical findings from space: phenomenology
of sleep disturbances 27
2.3.2. Empirical findings from space: sleep disturbances
and circadian rhythms 29
2.3.3. Operational significance 31
v
vi Space Psychology and Psychiatry
2.4. Psychological adaptation to long-duration space flight:

general characteristics 34
2.4.1. Stages of adaptation over time 34
2.4.2. Empirical findings from ground research: stages of
adaptation in analog environments and isolation studies 35
2.4.3. Empirical findings from space: stages of psychological
adaptation during space missions 36
2.5. Summary 39
References 40
3. Human Performance 49
3.1. Basic issues 49

3.2. Possible origins of cognitive performance
decrements in space 50
3.2.1. Effects of microgravity on specific brain mechanisms 50
3.2.2. Effects of stress on mental performance 52
3.3. Empirical findings from space: cognitive
neuroscience research 55
3.3.1. Spatial orientation 55
3.3.2. Spatial perception and representation 58
3.3.3. Mental rotation and object recognition 59
3.3.4. Mass discrimination 60
3.3.5. Aimed voluntary movements 61
3.4. Empirical findings from space: human
performance monitoring 63
3.4.1. Results of performance monitoring during
short-duration space flight 64
3.4.2. Results of performance monitoring during long-duration
space missions 71
3.4.3. Impairments of tracking and dual-task performance
in space: effects of microgravity, stress, or both? 74
3.5. Complex cognitive and perceptual-motor skills 78
3.5.1. Ground-based studies 78
3.5.2. Empirical findings from space: effects of stressors
on complex cognitive and perceptual-motor skills 79
3.6. Summary 80
References 81
4. Human Interactions 89
4.1. Interpersonal issues 89

4.2. Crew heterogeneity 90
4.2.1. Gender 91
4.2.2. Cultural differences 93
4.2.3. Career motivation and experiences 95
4.2.4. Personality 96
4.2.5. Problems related to crew heterogeneity 97
Table of Contents vii
4.3. Crew cohesion 98

4.3.1. Time effects and mission stage 98
4.3.2. Problems related to changes in cohesion 99
4.4. Language and dialect variations 100
4.4.1. Native language versus space terminology 100
4.4.2. Problems related to language and dialect variations 101
4.5. Crew size 102
4.5.1. The impact of size in small groups 102
4.5.2. Problems related to crew size 102
4.6. Leadership roles 103
4.6.1. Task versus supportive roles 103
4.6.2. Problems related to leadership roles 104
4.7. Crew-ground interactions 105
4.7.1. Ingroup versus outgroup issues 105
4.7.2. Displacement 105
4.7.3. Problems related to crew-ground interactions 106
4.8. Empirical findings from space: ISS operations challenges
as seen by junior and senior mission control personnel 106
4.8.1. Procedures 107
4.8.2. Results 107
4.8.3. Conclusions 107
4.9. Empirical findings from space: human interactions during
the Shuttle/Mir program 108
4.9.2. Results 110
4.10. Empirical findings from space: human interactions during
the International Space Station (ISS) program 113
4.10.2. Results 115
4.10.3. Culture and Language Questionnaire findings 118
4.11. Empirical findings from space: conclusions from the
Shuttle/Mir and International Space Station human
interactions studies 119
4.11.1. Time effects 119
4.11.2. Displacement 120
4.11.3. National and organizational culture 121
4.11.4. Cultural and language experiences and attitudes 122
4.11.5. Leadership roles 122
4.11.6. Critical incidents 123
4.11.7. Implications for future space missions 123
4.12. Empirical findings from space: cultural challenges facing
ISS personnel 124
4.12.2. Results 124
4.13. Summary 125
References 127
viii Space Psychology and Psychiatry
5. Psychiatric Issues 135
5.1. Behavioral health and salutogenesis 135

5.2. Empirical findings from space: positive psychological
aspects of space flight 136
5.2.1 Procedures 136
5.2.2 Results 136
5.2.3 Conclusions 138
5.3. Psychiatric problems in space 139
5.3.1. Adjustment disorders 140
5.3.2. Somatoform disorders 140
5.3.3. Mood and thought disorders 141
5.3.4. Post-mission effects: personality changes
and marital problems 144
5.4. Asthenia 144
5.4.1. A common space syndrome? 144
5.4.1.1. Cultural issues 144
5.4.1.2. Russian views of asthenia in space 146
5.4.2. Empirical findings from space: asthenia
and the Shuttle/Mir program 147
5.4.2.1. Procedures 147
5.4.2.2. Results 148
5.4.2.3. Conclusions 148
5.4.3. Empirical findings from space: cultural differences
in patterns of mood states on-orbit 149
5.5. Treatment considerations 150
5.5.1. Counseling and psychotherapy 150
5.5.2. Psychoactive medications 151
5.6. Psychiatric research in space 153
5.7. Summary 154
References 154
6. Psychological Countermeasures 161
6.1. General aspects 161

6.2. Habitability factors 162
6.3. Work design issues 167
6.4. Selection and crew composition 169
6.4.1. General issues 169
6.4.2. Select-out: avoiding psychopathology 170
6.4.3. Select-in: the “right stuff” 171
6.4.4. Crew composition: the problem of interpersonal
compatibility 175
6.5. Training 179
6.5.1. Who should be trained? 179
6.5.2. Towards a competency model for astronauts 180
6.5.3. Kinds of training 185
6.5.3.1. Briefings, lectures, and workshops 185
6.5.3.2. Field exercises 186
Table of Contents ix
6.5.3.3. Crew-oriented sensitivity training

and team-building 186
6.6. Crew monitoring 188
6.6.1. Remote monitoring from Earth 189
6.6.2. Empirical findings from space: monitoring stress through
voice analysis 190
6.6.3. On-board monitoring 191
6.7. In-flight support 193
6.7.1. Supportive measures for preventing feelings of monotony,
boredom, and isolation 194
6.7.2. Maintaining contact with family and friends 195
6.7.3. Private psychological conferences 196
6.7.4. Support of families on Earth 197
6.8. Post-flight readjustment support 197
6.8.1. Individual issues 198
6.8.2. Family issues 198
6.9. Summary 199
References 200
7. Future Challenges 211
7.1. Space tourism 211

7.2. Going beyond the Earth’s orbit 213
7.3. Future human missions to the Moon and Mars 214
7.3.1. Missions to the Moon and the establishment
of a lunar base 214
7.3.2. Exploratory missions to Mars 215
7.4. Applicability of current psychological knowledge
to space missions beyond the Earth’s orbit 216
7.5. Empirical findings from space: cosmonaut survey
regarding a mission to Mars 219
7.5.1. Goals and Procedures 219
7.5.2. Results 219
7.6. Human missions to Mars: new psychological challenges 220
7.6.1. Individual adaptation and human performance 220
7.6.2. Interpersonal issues 223
7.6.3. Psychiatric issues 225
7.6.4. Psychological countermeasures 226
7.6.5. The Earth-out-of-view phenomenon 228
7.7. Research directions 229
7.8. Summary 231
References 232
Index 237
The International Space Station is the most complex construction project ever
attempted. It will ensure humankind’s permanent presence in space for
decades to come. “Backdropped by the blackness of space, this full view of the
International Space Station (ISS) was photographed by a crewmember on board the
Space Shuttle Atlantis following the undocking of the two spacecraft. Atlantis
pulled away from the complex at 8:13 a.m. (CDT) on October 16, 2002.” (Photo
and quoted description courtesy of NASA)
Preface (1st Edition)
With the construction of the International Space Station, and with plans being
considered for manned missions to Mars and beyond, it is time to take an objective
look at what is known about the psychological and psychiatric impact of long-
duration space missions. During previous space flights, there have been occasions
when the psychological stresses of living and working in space have created
difficulties that have negatively affected the performance of crewmembers and their
ability to relate with personnel in mission control. It is important to examine these
psychosocial issues scientifically so that countermeasures can be developed for
dealing with them promptly and effectively.
Up until now, books that have addressed psychological and psychiatric factors
related to space travel have referred to anecdotal reports or studies from space
analog environments on Earth, such as the Antarctic, submarines, and confined
chambers. However, recent evidence suggests that none of these environments gives
a complete picture of the psychosocial issues relevant to human space flight. For
this reason, our book emphasizes psychological and interpersonal findings from
studies conducted during actual space missions. Both of us have directed such
studies in the past 10 years, but our findings have been restricted to scientific
meeting proceedings and journal publications. In this book, our research results will
be presented in a non-technical format that will be understandable to a wider non-
professional audience. These findings will be integrated with the work of others
around major topic areas in the field of space psychology and psychiatry, including
individual adaptation and performance, human interactions, psychiatric issues,
selection and training, and monitoring and support. Our hope is that this book will
be used as a textbook for students as well as a reference for psychologically-
oriented professionals and the general public who wish to know more about how
people function in the exotic environment of space.
People who may especially find this book to be of value include: psychology and
social science students and professors in universities; medical students and residents
in psychiatry and aerospace medicine; human factors workers in space and aviation
professions; individuals involved with Earth-bound isolated and confined
environments, such as the Antarctic and submarines; and members of the general
public who are interested in the human side of long-duration space missions. Since
this book is co-authored by an American and a German who are involved in both
academic and space-related activities, we hope that it will have wide readership in
both countries, as well as in places that have active involvement with the
International Space Station (e.g., member countries of the European Space Agency
[ESA], Russia, Japan, the United States, and Canada).
In terms of the organization of this book, Chapter 1 will introduce the reader to
the issues and basic assumptions that underlie the remaining chapters. Chapter 2
will consider important issues of adaptation that a person needs to make during
space missions. Chapter 3 will deal with human performance and how it is affected
xi
xii Space Psychology and Psychiatry
by the space environment. Chapter 4 will consider psychosocial issues at the group
level in terms of crewmembers and their relationship with each other and with
people on the ground. Chapter 5 will deal with psychiatric problems that can occur
during long-duration space missions. Chapter 6 will consider countermeasures for
coping with psychological and psychiatric issues before, during, and after the
mission. Finally, Chapter 7 will deal with the challenges of space missions beyond
Earth orbit.
As mentioned above, a special feature of this book is its emphasis on research
actually conducted in the space environment that relates to psychological and
psychiatric issues. Studies that have been done in this exotic setting will be placed
in special sections labeled: “Empirical findings from space…”. These sections are
highlighted with underlines in the Table of Contents for those who wish to focus on
such studies. Much of this information has never before been published in book
form, and it represents the cutting edge of what has been done in space in the field
of space psychology and psychiatry.
Photographs of astronauts and cosmonauts will be used to illustrate key ideas.
All of these will come from missions to the Mir or International Space Station. It
should be noted that individuals shown in the photographs may or may not have
participated in our studies, and activities they are undertaking may or may not have
been related to our areas of research. All space photographs have been provided
courtesy of NASA. In addition, two chapters have been introduced by photographs
of prints from antiquarian star atlases. Besides being beautiful works of art, these
pieces illustrate an important theme related to the following chapter. These two
contributions are from the Nick and Carolynn Kanas collection of antiquarian
celestial books and prints.
This book could not have been written without the help and support of a number
of people. Our Senior Publishing Editor at Kluwer, Dr. Harry Blom, and his Senior
Assistant, Ms. Sonja Japenga, have been helpful in guiding us through the
publishing process. Ms. Leena Tomi of the Canadian Space Agency and Mr. Oliver
Angerer of the European Space Agency have provided helpful comments to a draft
of this book, as did others mentioned below.
Dr. Kanas would especially like to thank Dr. Bill Feddersen, Dr. Craig Van
Dyke, and Mr. Alan Kelly for helping him get his start in space-related activities.
He also would like to thank his Shuttle/Mir and International Space Station research
colleagues at the University of California and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center
in San Francisco (Drs. Charles Marmar, Daniel Weiss, Jennifer Ritsher, and Alan
Bostrom, and Mr. Philip Petit and Ms. Ellen Grund) and at the Institute for
Biomedical Problems in Moscow (Drs. Vyacheslav Salnitskiy, Vadim Gushin, Olga
Kozerenko, and Alexander Sled). Critical in supporting his research at the Veterans
Affairs Medical Center have been Dr. Diana Nicoll and Director Sheila Cullen.
Helpful at administering his grants at the Northern California Institute for Research
and Education have been Ms. Pamela Redmayne, Mr. Stewart Goldberg, and Mr.
Jack Nagan, J.D. Drs. Millie Hughes-Fulford and Rudolf Moos have provided
important consultations. Critical in supporting his research at NASA Headquarters
have been Drs. Joan Vernikos, Mary Ann Frey, Marc Shepanek, Victor Schneider,
David Tomko, and Guy Fogleman. Critical in supporting his research at Johnson
Preface xiii
Space Center have been Ms. Cindy Haven, Ms. Dea Taylor, Ms. Lisa Lubin, Mr.
Tim Snyder, Mr. Christian Maender, and Ms. Margaret Klee. Also at JSC, Drs. John
Uri, Charles Sawin, Christopher Flynn, Ellen Baker, Scott Smith, Lak Putcha, Mike
Greenisen, Vic Cooley, John Charles, and Patrick McGinnis have provided great
support. At Marshall Space Center, Ms. Barbara Tepper has been an important and
enthusiastic liaison. Dr. Kanas also would like to thank the astronauts, cosmonauts,
and members of mission control at Johnson and Marshall Space Centers in the
United States and TsUP in Moscow who graciously have volunteered to participate
as subjects. Last but not least, he would like to thank his wife Carolynn and his sons
Andrew and Peter for their patience and support over the years as he wrote research
manuscripts, prepared drafts of this book, and traveled hither and yon to various
conferences.
Dr. Manzey would especially like to thank Dr. Bernd Lorenz, Albrecht Schiewe,
Dr. Christoph Fassbender and Georg Finell who have shared his interest in
psychological issues of space flight and contributed to the research presented in this
book. In particular, Bernd’s creativity, competence, and support are acknowledged.
Numerous people are needed to support research during space missions from the
operational side. Thanks also are due to Loredana Bessone, Hans Bolender,
Sigmund Jähn, and Andreas Schön (ESA); Beate Fischer, Petra Mittler, Berthold
Schiewe, and Doris Wilke (German Aerospace Center); and Vladimir Nalishiti and
Yuri Shpatenko (Russian Cosmonaut Training Center): in different functions, all
have provided excellent operational support for the research Dr. Manzey has
conducted during several Mir missions. Important consultations during these
projects have been provided by Alexander Gundel and Jürgen Drescher, whose
contributions are gratefully acknowledged. What is psychological research without
human subjects? Dr. Manzey thanks all astronauts and cosmonauts who have
participated in his research, either in space or as back-up crewmembers on the
ground. Without their cooperative spirit and openness to psychology, his research
would not have been possible. Finally and perhaps most important, Dr. Manzey is
grateful to his wife Bettina, his sons, Max, Paul and Carl, and his parents, not only
for their patience, continuous encouragement and emotional support while writing
this book, but also for their great understanding of his numerous “up and downs”
while conducting research in a field as difficult as space flight.
Preface (2nd Edition)
It has been 5 years since the appearance of the 1st Edition of Space Psychology and
Psychiatry. The book reached a fairly broad audience, including astronauts and
cosmonauts, space agency officials, members of the scientific community,
undergraduate and graduate students, and the general public. Much has happened in
the field since then, with many advances in psychological space research. As a
result, it seemed timely to cover these advances in a new edition of the book.
The 2nd Edition of Space Psychology and Psychiatry contains 45 new pages of
text, a 23% increase over the 1st Edition. It also picked up a new publisher, as
Kluwer Academic Publishers merged with Springer, a happy event for us and for
the people involved with Kluwer who found themselves members of the Springer
family. The basic structure and chapter orientations have not changed, but the text
of every chapter has been reviewed and updated to reflect new realities. This is
especially true of Chapters 2 and 6, which have been greatly revised and expanded.
Several sections have been added describing new research with astronauts and
cosmonauts, including operational challenges affecting junior and senior mission
control personnel; human interactions involving crewmembers and mission
controllers working with the International Space Station (comparing the findings
with those from the Shuttle/Mir Program, reported in the 1st Edition); issues dealing
with positive psychological aspects of space missions; surveys reporting cultural
challenges involving international crews and cosmonaut views of an expedition to
Mars; and results related to physiological, sleep/circadian, and performance issues
in space. In addition, there is a new section on space tourism, which is a growing
and exciting new industry. We have tried to preserve the spirit and structure of the
previous edition, while at the same time adding new material to bring the content
up to date.
We hope that these changes will enrich the experience of readers of the 1st
Edition and encourage new people to read the book. We have enjoyed the process of
writing the 2nd Edition and of being a part of the human exploration of space.
Nick Kanas, M.D.

Dietrich Manzey, Ph.D.
January, 2008
xv
Real danger exists in space. Note the damage to the Mir space station and its
solar panels (on the right) following its collision with a Progress resupply
spacecraft during docking on June 25, 1997. “Russia's Mir space station is
backdropped over the blue and white planet Earth in this medium range photograph
recorded during the final fly-around of the members of the fleet of NASA's
shuttles…” (Photo and quoted description courtesy of NASA)
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1. Humans in space

With the building of the International Space Station (ISS), humans are committing
themselves to a continuing presence in space. This enterprise follows earlier space
stations under the Salyut, Skylab, and Mir programs. But the ISS represents a
change. With its several modules contributed to by a number of countries and space
agencies, crewmembers on-board will be multinational in composition.
Furthermore, missions will be several months long, with the opportunity to conduct
scientific and other important activities that will better the human condition. Finally,
the ISS will serve as a training and embarkation point for longer term, expedition
type missions to the Moon, the planets, and beyond. In order to tolerate such
activities, it is important for people who are involved to understand the stresses that
are produced by living and working in space habitats. Especially important during
complex, long-duration space missions are psychological and psychiatric issues that
may affect the crewmembers. These issues can mean the difference between
successful missions that accomplish mission goals and lead to a productive
experience for the people involved, and unsuccessful missions characterized by poor
morale, psychiatric problems, and tragic consequences for the crewmembers, their
mission control support staff, and family and friends back home on Earth.
1.2. Stressors and stress in space

In considering such issues, it is useful to examine two concepts as they apply to
space missions: stressor and stress. A stressor is a stimulus or feature of the
environment that affects someone, usually in a negative, arousing manner. In space,
there are four kinds of stressors: physical, habitability, psychological, and
interpersonal. Examples of each are given in Table 1.1. Some of these stressors are
related to others. For example, microgravity and radiation dictate certain habitability
constraints that produce vibration and increased ambient noise. Similarly,
habitability features create physical environments that influence one’s experience of
confinement and danger and influence the impact of crew size.
Many physical and habitability stressors are engineering “givens” that go
beyond the scope of this book. Others will be dealt with in Chapter 6. Psychological
stressors on individual and interpersonal levels directly relate to the subject matter
of this book, since they can be influenced using psychological and interpersonal
interventions at several time points: during pre-launch selection and training, during
in-flight monitoring and support, and during post-mission readaptation to Earth. For
1
2 Space Psychology and Psychiatry
Table 1.1. Examples of Stressors Encountered During Human Space Missions.
Physical Habitability Psychological Interpersonal
Acceleration Vibration Isolation Gender issues
Microgravity Ambient noise Confinement Cultural effects
Ionizing radiation Temperature Danger Personality conflicts
Meteoroid impacts Lighting Monotony Crew size
Light/dark cycles Air quality Workload Leadership issues
example, monotony and workload stressors can be minimized by carefully planning

work-rest schedules pre-launch, and interpersonal stressors related to gender and
cultural differences can be minimized by careful crewmember selection and
training.
A stress pertains to the reaction produced in someone by one or more stressors.
In space, there are four kinds of stress that affect human beings: physiological,
performance, interpersonal, and psychiatric. Examples are given in Table 1.2.
Physiological, performance, and interpersonal stresses tend to be normalizing
attempts of crewmembers to adapt to the conditions of off-Earth environments. In
contrast, psychiatric stresses tend to be abnormal responses to these conditions,
although there are intermediate forms in some cases. For example, some long-
duration space travelers have experienced feelings of depression or mild asthenic
reactions that can be resolved with increased audio-visual contact with family and
friends on Earth and never evolve into full-blown psychiatric syndromes. It is
important to understand and deal with the impact of these stresses since they can
adversely affect the health and well-being of the crewmembers, interfere with their
relationships with each other and with people in mission control, create dangerous
Table 1.2. Examples of Stresses Encountered During Human Space Missions.
Physiological Performance Interpersonal Psychiatric
Space sickness Disorientation Tension Adjustment disorders
Vestibular problems Visual illusions Withdrawal/territorial Somatoform

behavior disorders
Sleep disturbances Attention deficits Lack of privacy Depression
Bodily fluid shifts Error proneness Scapegoating Suicidal thoughts
Bone loss and Psychomotor Affect displacement Asthenia

hypercalcemia problems
Introduction 3
situations, and prevent the accomplishment of mission goals. Issues related to these
four kinds of stress will be dealt with in great detail in Chapters 2–5.
1.3. Sources of information

In considering psychological and psychiatric issues in space, there are three sources
of information that inform us as to the key issues: anecdotal reports, studies from
space analogs and simulations conducted on Earth, and research performed during
actual space missions.
1.3.1. Anecdotal reports

There are several types of anecdotal information, and these are listed in Table 1.3
along with references.
Being anecdotal, the above sources are subjective and sometimes are
dramatically presented. However, they often reflect the feelings and thoughts of
space travelers and give a vivid picture of what it is like to live and work in space.
Consequently, anecdotal reports are good places to start in developing ideas and
hypotheses for more formal studies.
1.3.2. Space analog and simulation studies
1.3.2.1. Settings
A second source of information consists of analog and simulation studies conducted
on Earth. These settings have many features in common with those that are
characteristic of space. Analog studies are more naturalistic, where variables are not
strongly controlled, whereas in simulation studies one tries to alter the environment to
make it as relevant as possible to the issues in space that are being studied. Examples
of different kinds of analog and simulation settings are listed in Table 1.4.
Table 1.3. Types of Anecdotal Information of Relevance to Psychological and Psychiatric

Issues in Space.
Space agency documents [Belew, 1977; Connors et al., 1985; Kanas and
Feddersen, 1971; Morgan, 2001]
Surveys of people who have flown in space [Kelly and Kanas, 1992, 1993, 1994;
Santy et al., 1993]
Publications of diaries from space travelers [Chaikin, 1985; Lebedev, 1988]
Newspaper and magazine articles [Associated Press, 1995; Benson, 1996;

Carpenter, 1997]
Books written by space travelers [Aldrin, 1973; Linenger, 2000; Pogue, 1985]
Books written by people who have never traveled into space [Burrough, 1989;
Cooper, 1976; Freeman, 2000; Harland, 1997; Harris, 1996; Harrison, 2001;
Oberg, 1981; Santy, 1994; Stuster, 1996]
Table 1.4. Examples of Analog and Simulation Settings on Earth of Relevance to Human
Space Missions.
Arctic and Antarctic expeditions
Mountain climbing expeditions
Submarines and ships at sea
Remote sea-based oil drilling platforms
Underwater simulators (e.g., marine science habitats)
Land-based simulators (e.g., hyperbaric chambers)
Aircraft cockpit simulators
Hypodynamia (bedrest) study settings
1.3.2.2. Relevance to actual space missions

There have been over 100 space-related studies conducted in Earth-based
environments, and these have been well documented in published reviews [Baranov,
2001; Connors et al., 1985; Harrison et al., 1991; Kanas, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991;
Kanas and Feddersen, 1971; Lugg, 2005; Palinkas et al., 2000; Sandal, 2000; Sandal
et al., 1996; Santy, 1983; Stuster, 1996, 2005; Vaernes, 1993]. However, no analog
or simulation environment can completely reproduce the environment of space. For
example, the unique cluster of features of microgravity, lack of atmosphere outside
the habitat, true danger, and inability to conduct a rapid rescue cannot be
reproduced on Earth.
Sells [1966] evaluated 11 social systems that he felt were pertinent as analogs
for long-duration space missions. After first developing 56 characteristics of such
missions, he rated the social systems on each characteristic and concluded that
submarines and polar exploration missions were the most similar to actual space
missions. However, his study did not evaluate more recent land-based analogs or
non-submarine underwater environments. Nevertheless, his study reminds us that
space analogs can vary in terms of fidelity to actual space missions.
Suedfeld [1991] has argued that it is not the physical environment per se that is
important but the psychological meaning that a space analog or simulation
environment holds for the individuals involved. This idea has been supported by a
review made by Sandal et al. [1996], where differences were found between studies
conducted in land-based hyperbaric chambers, where there was no real danger and
where someone could easily be evacuated in a medical emergency, and in polar
environments, where neither of these features existed. People working in the
chambers experienced low overall anxiety and steadily decreasing levels of anxiety
over time, whereas people on polar expeditions showed higher levels of anxiety,
particularly during the first and third quarters of the mission. The limitations of
analog and simulation environments are especially apparent where psychological
and psychiatric issues are being studied, especially with reference to long-duration
multi-cultural space missions. These comments remind us that the ideal way to
Introduction 5
study what happens to people in space is to study people in space! With these
caveats in mind, however, there still is reason to conduct space-related analog and
simulation studies on Earth. Space missions are expensive, high-danger,
complicated enterprises involving a handful of people. Some research areas are
early in their development, and piloting them on the ground is a more economical
and safer way to try out new ideas. Also, more variables can be controlled in
simulators than in space, where mission-related operational considerations usually
are given precedence over research. Many studies depend on large sample sizes to
statistically test effects, and these can be achieved more easily in ground-based
settings. Kanas [1997] has discussed ways in which analog and simulation
environments could contribute to the study of a number of psychosocial issues, such
as social and cultural factors, career motivation, monotony and reduced activity,
leadership and authority, and the relationship between crewmembers and ground
personnel.
1.3.3. Research in space

The final source of information related to important psychological and psychiatric
issues in space consists of studies conducted during actual space missions. Whereas
a number of such studies have been done in other human-related areas (such as the
effects of microgravity on cardiovascular status and bone loss), little has been done
until recently in the psychological and psychiatric areas. In part, this has been due to
the short-term nature of many space missions, where psychosocial factors are less
problematic than in longer-term missions. However, with the construction of the
International Space Station, there has been renewed interest in studying
psychological and psychiatric issues as space agencies focus on complicated multi-
cultural missions involving heterogeneous crews whose members must get along for
months at a time. In addition, plans for expedition-type missions to Mars or beyond
extend the flight duration to years, where support from Earth will become less
possible as the spacecraft travels farther away. In a sense, the ISS provides an
excellent way to study the psychological and psychiatric impact of living and
working in space. Some of the advantages of the ISS for such research are given in
Table 1.5.
Table 1.5. Advantages of the ISS for Psychological and Psychiatric Research.
It has state-of-the-art research facilities.
Crewmembers are on-board for months at a time, allowing for studies of long-duration
effects.
Space Shuttle and Soyuz missions to the ISS will occur, allowing for studies of short-
duration effects.
Since the ISS orbits close to Earth, research supplies can be sent up or down easily.
ISS crews interact with mission control personnel, allowing for studies of the relationship
between these groups.
The ISS can serve as a platform to test issues and countermeasures being considered for
expedition-type missions, such as a trip to Mars.
1.4. Basic assumptions

There are a number of basic assumptions related to future space missions that
underlie the areas dealt with in this book. These assumptions will be discussed in
more detail in the different chapters of the book, but it is worthwhile to mention
them now as an orientation to the rest of this book.
1.4.1. Human performance

The first assumption is that the maintenance of efficient performance in astronauts
during their stay in space represents an important psychological challenge of long-
duration space missions. During the early days of space flight, the main focus was
on demonstrating that humans could simply survive in this exotic environment.
Consequently, effort was spent on investigating the effects of microgravity on
bodily functions. Today, space has become an important work place for humans,
where astronauts accomplish complex scientific and operational tasks that put high
demands on cognitive functions and psychomotor skills [Morphew et al., 2001].
Thus, attention increasingly is being paid to factors that affect human performance
in space, and this will be even more important in the future when astronaut tasks
and work devices will become more complex.
Furthermore, degradations of human performance in space can become a serious
safety issue during long-duration space missions. This has been emphasized by the
investigations of a severe accident that occurred on the former Mir space station,
when one of the modules was hit and damaged during the manual docking of an
upcoming Progress spacecraft. Analyses of this accident revealed that issues of skill
maintenance and performance decrements due to fatigue were among the factors
contributing to this accident [Ellis, 2000].
In order to better assess the risks arising from possible impairments of
performance during future space missions, knowledge is needed about the impact of
the extreme working and living conditions in space on human performance
functions. This not only includes knowledge about possible effects of microgravity
on cognitive and psychomotor processes, but it also includes knowledge about the
performance impact of the other stressors present during space missions, such as
workload, monotony, isolation, and confinement.
1.4.2. Crew heterogeneity

The second assumption is that future human space missions will consist of
heterogeneous crews made up of people of different genders, career motivation and
experiences, and personality. In the early days of space flight, the crews were more
homogeneous: white males from one country who had similar personalities and
were trained to pilot the spacecraft [Wolfe, 1979]. But these days are gone, and
the complexity and politics of future missions will result in more diversity in
crew make-up.
Heterogeneity may be a bit of a two-edged sword. In the short run, it may
complicate crewmember interactions as people take time to adjust to one another.
This may lead to interpersonal stress that may adversely affect performance and the
accomplishment of mission goals. However, if the crewmembers are able to accept
Introduction 7
their differences over time, heterogeneity may enrich the interpersonal environment,
and this may help counter boredom and monotony. Much depends on how diversity
is viewed by the crew: as a negative irritant or as a positive feature that adds spice to
the mission.
1.4.3. Cultural differences

The third assumption is that future crews will be made up of people from different
cultural backgrounds. Culture can have three aspects, as Helmreich [2000] has
discussed with reference to the aviation and medical communities as analogs for
space missions: national, organizational, and professional. With reference to the first
aspect, space crewmembers will have different ethnic backgrounds, nationalities,
and native languages. This may lead to differences in behavior, some obvious,
others more subtle (e.g., using body gestures to emphasize a point). Cultural
differences may be misconstrued as a personal affront, disinterest, or simply as an
annoyance, and this may lead to interpersonal or group tension.
The second aspect of culture pertains to features of the employment organization
of which the individual is a member. For example, it has been written that each of
the major space agencies involved with the ISS possesses different “macrocultures”
that affect the way they do business [Committee on Space Biology and Medicine,
1998]. For example, NASA tends to extensively train their astronauts to deal with a
variety of possible contingencies in preparation for their missions, whereas the
Russian Space Agency tends to focus on the major issues and to rely on the use of
experts to resolve problems that come up. In addition, astronauts get a fixed salary
for their duties, whereas cosmonauts might receive a bonus or a reduction in pay
based on their performance in space. Such differences in organizational philosophy
can affect how crewmembers from different space agencies behave on the job and
interact with one another.
The final kind of cultural effect is related to one’s profession, discipline, or
career motivation. People on space missions may have quite different backgrounds
and roles. For example, some space travelers come from piloting or engineering
backgrounds, and their mission tasks are related to flying and maintaining the space
vehicle. Others come from scientific backgrounds, and their tasks are related to
conducting experiments and performing non-operational duties. People from these
two groups may have developed different professional norms, values, and traditions
prior to the mission, and it is important that these be understood and amalgamated
so that the crew operates cohesively as a unit to accomplish mission goals. This has
not always been the case, as will be discussed further in Chapter 4.
1.4.4. Time effects

The fourth assumption is that time is an important factor in studying psychological
and psychiatric issues in space. One aspect of time pertains to mission duration. For
example, psychological and psychiatric issues may not be problematic during short-
duration space missions, such as flights involving the Space Shuttle that typically
last a week or two, since most people can tolerate the stressors of space in this time
frame. However, problems may occur during long-duration missions that last 6
weeks or longer, not only because human adaptive abilities become strained, but also
because additional stressors come into being (e.g., monotony that occurs once the
novelty of being in space has worn off, personality conflicts due to the
magnification of minor interpersonal irritants).
In addition, there is evidence that groups of people living and working in
isolated and confined environments go through stages that are time-dependent.
Some people believe that psychosocial changes occur after the halfway point of a
mission, especially the third quarter [Bechtel and Berning, 1991; Gushin et al.,
1993, 1997; Palinkas et al., 2000; Sandal, 2000; Sandal et al., 1995; Stuster et al.,
2000], when people realize that they still have half of the mission to go before they
can return home. Others conceive of changes occurring in terms of three sequential
phases of the mission: initial anxiety, mid-mission boredom, and terminal euphoria
[Chaikin, 1985; Grigoriev et al., 1987; Rohrer, 1961]. However, not all space analog
studies have found such stages [Kanas et al., 1996; Steel and Suedfeld, 1991; Wood
et al., 1999, 2005], and as we shall see in Chapters 2 and 4, empirical findings from
space also question the existence of group stages on-orbit.
1.4.5. Crew-ground relationship

The fifth assumption is that the relationship between crewmembers and people on
the ground is very important for crew performance and morale. During on-orbit
missions such as those involving the ISS, this relationship is easy to see.
Crewmembers depend upon personnel in mission control for scheduling, support,
information, and trouble-shooting. The flow of information and the interpersonal
interactions between these two groups are important issues for mission success. In
addition, the ability of the crewmembers to interact privately and frequently with
family and friends can enhance their morale and help them maintain critical contact
with loved ones on Earth. Finally, many astronauts and cosmonauts have a great
interest in current events taking place on their home planet, and they enjoy receiving
news from the ground on a regular basis [Kelly and Kanas, 1994].
On expedition-type missions, such as a trip to Mars, the distances involved will
mean that audio-visual communications will take minutes or even hours. This means
that crewmembers and ground personnel will have to develop strategies that factor
in these delays. It also means that crewmembers will be much more autonomous in
their actions, since advice concerning issues and problems will not be in real time,
and resupplies of people and material will not be possible. Medical and psychiatric
emergencies will have to be taken care of on-board, and crewmembers will need to
be trained for all kinds of trouble-shooting activities. Finally, no human being has
ever had the experience of seeing his or her home planet as a distant “star” in the
sky. The psychological impact of the realization that all you hold near and dear to
you is distant and insignificant is unknown, and crewmembers need to be prepared
for this experience.
1.4.6. Psychological countermeasures

The final assumption is that the adverse effects of stressors that astronauts are
exposed to during long-duration space missions can be mitigated or even prevented
by appropriate psychological countermeasures. One set of countermeasures focuses
on an accommodation of the working and living conditions during space missions to
Introduction 9
the psychological capabilities and needs of humans. These include different aspects
of habitability and ergonomics, as well as organizational factors related to work
design and appropriate work-rest scheduling. A second set of countermeasures
focuses on adapting individuals to the psychological vicissitudes of space missions.
This can be achieved by selecting astronauts whose personalities are most suitable
to meet the demands of space missions; by composing space crews of individuals
who are compatible with one another; by giving relevant psychological and
interpersonal pre-flight training that prepares astronauts for their life and work in
space; and by providing psychological support to individual astronauts and entire
crews while they are on-orbit [Manzey et al., 1995]. Such actions can contribute to
the success and safety of human space missions. This long has been recognized in
the Russian (formerly Soviet) space program, where psychological countermeasures
have been an important element since the beginning of long-duration space missions
[Garshnek, 1989; Kanas, 1991]. Similar countermeasures also are being used in
current ISS operations, and they will be an indispensable factor during future
expeditionary space missions that go beyond Earth’s orbit.
1.5. Summary
• There are four kinds of stressors encountered during human space missions:
physical, habitability, psychological, and interpersonal.
• There are four kinds of stress encountered during human space missions:
physiological, performance, interpersonal, and psychiatric.
• There are three sources of information that educate us about important
psychological and psychiatric issues affecting human space missions: anecdotal
reports, space analog and simulation studies on Earth, and research conducted
during actual missions.
• Although anecdotal reports and analog and simulation studies offer several
advantages, the ideal way to study what happens to people in space is to study
people in space!
• The International Space Station is an excellent facility for conducting human
research related to psychological and psychiatric issues in space.
• Maintaining human performance in space will be a challenge, particularly
during long-term missions.
• Psychological and psychiatric issues become most relevant during space
missions that are long-duration and consist of heterogeneous crews composed
of people with different cultural backgrounds.
• The relationship between crewmembers and people on the ground is very
important for maintaining crew performance and morale and for enhancing the
success of the mission.
• Countermeasures need to be developed and applied that will help astronauts
and cosmonauts deal with the stressors that are encountered during human
space missions.
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Introduction 11
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Introduction 13
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Accomplishing the tasks of a space mission requires the use of complicated

equipment. Adjusting to microgravity and learning to adapt to the space
environment is essential for such actions to be done successfully. “Astronaut
Philippe Perrin, STS-111 mission specialist, floats near the Microgravity Science
Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station
(ISS). Perrin represents CNES, the French Space Agency.” (Photo and quoted
description courtesy of NASA)
Chapter 2
Basic Issues of Human Adaptation to Space Flight
2.1. Space as an extreme environment

Any environment to which humans are not naturally suited, and which demands
complex processes of physiological and psychological adaptation, can be considered
as an “extreme” environment. Earth-bound examples of such environments include
the polar region, high mountain areas, or underwater habitats. Since the first space
flight of Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, the Earth’s orbit and outer space also have
become extreme living and working environments for humans. Two sets of factors
contribute to the extremity of space. The first set relates to the unique physical
characteristics of space flight [Nicogossian and Robbins, 1994]. The most striking
of these characteristics is the almost complete lack of gravitational force impacting
on the human body. Technically speaking, this “microgravity” results from a
counterbalancing of the gravitational force factor by the centrifugal force imparted
to an orbiting spacecraft. The subjective feeling is more appropriately described as
“weightlessness” because it feels like being weightless to stay and move in micro-
gravity. As will be shown, this fundamental alteration in space as compared to Earth
has a dramatic impact on almost all physiological systems and also can affect specific
cognitive and psychomotor functions. A second physical characteristic of space
flight that makes it different from life on Earth is the altered natural dark-light cycle.
In an orbiting spacecraft traveling at about 28,000 km/h around our planet, the time
between sunrises is reduced to about 90 min. This marks an important difference to
the 24-h day-night cycle that we are accustomed to on Earth and can conflict with
the circadian system of humans. Finally, a third physical feature which makes space
an extreme environment for humans concerns the specifics of space radiation, parti-
cularly ionizing radiation (i.e., radiation resulting from galactic cosmic rays, trapped
belt radiation, and solar particle events which directly can destroy, transform, or
mutate living cells). Without the usual shield provided by the atmosphere of the
Earth, this radiation may induce acute and delayed health effects in the human body
[Nicogossian and Robbins, 1994].
From a physiological and psychological point of view, microgravity and the
altered dark-light cycle in space are the most interesting physical characteristics of
space flight because they call for complex adaptive processes. This is related to the
fact that these particular features conflict directly with the two most important
natural constants that have shaped the human organism during its evolution on
Earth: gravity and the natural alteration of day and night resulting from the mass and
the self-rotation of our planet, respectively.
The second set of factors contributing to space as an extreme environment for
humans is related to the numerous habitability, psychological and interpersonal
15
stressors present during space flight. These result from the harsh living conditions in
a space habitat, the restricted range of environmental cues, the specific workload
imposed on astronauts, and the psychosocial situation that is often characterized by
a lack of privacy, enforced social contacts with other crew members, and separation
from the usual social network of family and friends. Most of these factors
are not specific for space flight conditions but are universal for confined and
isolated environments [Suedfeld and Steel, 2000]. Yet they represent important
aspects of the extreme living and working conditions in space, particularly during
long-duration space flight. Similar to the unique physical conditions of the space
environment, they represent stressors which astronauts have to adapt to in order to
maintain a high level of individual and crew efficiency.
The psychological effects of the extreme conditions of space flight on individual
well-being and performance, and on crew interactions represent the major focus of
this book. As a starting point, this chapter addresses some of the more basic issues
related to human adaptation to space flight. In particular, it will provide information
about (1) selected issues of physiological adaptation to space, (2) issues of sleep and
circadian rhythms during space flight, and (3) general aspects of human adaptation
to confinement and isolation during long-duration space missions.
2.2. Issues of physiological adaptation

The main challenge for physiological systems in space is the lack of gravitational
force. During evolution on Earth, all physiological systems have been optimized for
life in gravity. This particularly is obvious for the vestibular system but also is true
for the cardiovascular system, the sensorimotor system (which is responsible for
movement coordination and control), and the system of bones and muscles. In fact,
there is almost no physiological system in humans that has not been shaped by the
specific gravity conditions on Earth. As a consequence, lacking this force in space
induces several physiological changes that call for complex adaptive processes in
the human organism [Clément, 2005; Grigoriev and Egorov, 1992; Nicogossian
et al., 1994].
In this section, we will review the impact of the environmental conditions
characteristic of space missions on three different physiological systems: cardio-
vascular, vestibular/sensory-motor, and musculo-skeletal. The effects on the first
two of these systems impair the individual well-being and fitness of astronauts
during short-duration space flight, or the first few days and even weeks of a long-
duration space mission. Both represent immediate responses that develop within
minutes or hours after exposure to microgravity. In contrast, the effects on the
musculo-skeletal system develop more slowly, and its strength directly depends on
the duration of the stay in space. All of these physiological responses eventually
lead to a physiological de-conditioning in space which might interfere with a
healthy return to Earth if no countermeasures are applied. In the present context, a
review of microgravity-related effects on human physiology certainly cannot be
complete and can only provide a very basic understanding of what travel into space
means from a physiological point of view. More comprehensive reviews of the
physiological responses to microgravity, including considerations of effects on
other systems and functions (e.g. endocrine system, metabolic functions), can be
Basic Issues of Adaptation 17
found in the classical book edited by Nicogossian et al. [1994], as well more recent
books by Buckey [2006] and Clément [2005].
2.2.1. Cardiovascular system

The main elements of the cardiovascular system are the heart and blood vessels
(e.g., arteries, veins, and capillaries). Its main function is to support continuous
blood circulation in order to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body
and to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products of cell metabolism. On
Earth, this system is adapted to the constraints provided by gravity. In humans, a
hydrostatic pressure gradient develops along the vertical body axis, with the arterial
blood pressure increasing from head (about 70 mmHg) to feet (about 200 mmHg).
Both the heart and blood vessels work against this effect of gravity. This not only
requires a certain level of “pump activity” of the heart in order to transport enough
blood upward to the brain against gravity, but it also requires the development of
sophisticated mechanisms in the lower body veins to support an upward return of
blood to the heart and prevent any “back-flow” in the direction of the gravitational
force. Moreover, the system is able to adjust quickly to changes of the hydrostatic
pressure gradient that are induced by changes of body orientation in relation to
gravity. The latter occurs, for example, if one moves from a supine to an upright
position and vice-versa. It can subjectively be perceived by transient feelings of
dizziness if one moves too quickly from a lying to a standing position. This
dizziness is related to a short-term reduction in blood pressure in the head and upper
part of the body, which gets rapidly corrected by what is called the baroreceptor
reflex. This reflex represents one of the most important control mechanisms in the
cardiovascular system. It involves a reflexive regulation of heart activity and
vascular peripheral resistance based on information from arterial pressure receptors
(“baroreceptors”), which keeps the arterial blood pressure on a more or less constant
level.
After entering the space environment, the gravitational force suddenly decreases.
The cardiovascular mechanisms that have been established on Earth to deal with
gravity at first remain unchanged and act as if this force is still present. This results
in a shift of body fluids into the upper parts of the body, which is continuous for the
first 6–12 h in space. The result is a dramatic redistribution of body fluids compared
to Earth conditions. This is illustrated in Figure 2.1. Whereas on Earth the overall
volume of body fluids is equally distributed between upper and lower parts of the
body (Figure 2.1A), a clear pooling of body fluids in the chest and head can be
observed after the first hours and days in space (Figure 2.1B). Direct visible
consequences of this shift include considerable changes in leg volume (i.e., the
circumference of the legs can decrease by 10–30%) [Moore and Thornton, 1987],
and there is a striking facial swelling around the eyes (“puffy face”). On the
subjective level, the internally-perceived consequences of this shift can interfere
with subjective well-being. For example, astronauts often complain about nasal
stuffiness and headache during the first hours or days in weightlessness that most
likely result from the headward shift of body fluids. Furthermore, the senses of
smell and taste might be altered due to fluid changes in the nasal region [Clément,
2005]. Interestingly, the interpersonal communication of astronauts seems to be
Figure 2.1. Illustration of the Effects of Body Fluid Shift in Space. Shown is the relative
distribution of body fluids in different parts of the human body: (A) pre-flight on
Earth, (B) early in-flight, (C) in-inflight after primary adaptation, and (D) early post-
flight after return from space to Earth. (Source: Clément, 2005; reprinted with
permission).
affected by the consequences of this shift. In a questionnaire survey of 54 astronauts

and cosmonauts who had flown in space [Kelly and Kanas, 1992], “facial swelling”
was among the few factors that were identified as hindering communication
between crewmembers during short-term space flight. One reason for this can be
assumed to be due to an increased difficulty in perceiving and interpreting facial
expressions correctly, which usually provide important non-verbal cues [Cohen,
2000].
On a physiological level, the redistribution of body fluids under microgravity
involves transient increments of central blood volume and intracranial pressure,
which in turn initiate complex adaptive effects in the cardiovascular, endocrine, and
blood systems [Charles et al., 1994]. The main consequence resulting from these
adaptive effects is an elimination of excess body fluids in the chest and head region.
This is achieved by a reduction of blood plasma volume, which decreases by about
22% due to an increased output by the kidneys [Clément, 2005]. After this adapta-
tion, the volume of fluid in the upper part of the body is successfully restored to a
more or less normal level, although the difference in distribution of body fluids
between the lower and upper part of the body tends to remain different from Earth
conditions for the entire stay in space; i.e., there is relatively less fluid in the trunk
and legs (Figure 2.1C). Associated with the loss of blood volume is also an
adaptation of heart activity to the conditions in space. The lower demands on its
pump activity is reflected in a decrease of heart volume that develops after some
time in space.
All in all, the cardiovascular functions show an efficient adaptation to the
specific conditions of microgravity, beginning in the first few days of a space
mission. This is also reflected in the fact that maximum exercise capacity, defined
by the duration of time a given level of work can be performed up to the level of
maximum oxygen consumption, does not seem to be significantly affected in space.
However, the main cost of this adaptation is a de-conditioning of cardiovascular
functions compared to Earth standards. Without effective countermeasures, this de-
conditioning leads to a loss of orthostatic tolerance, which in turn may become a
serious issue for astronauts returning to Earth (see Section 2.2.4). For example, the
loss of overall blood volume in space may result in low blood pressure and a
reflexive increase of heart rate in upright astronauts immediate after landing. This is
related to the fact that under Earth’s gravitational conditions, a considerable amount
of blood re-shifts to the legs, which given the reduced overall volume, produces a
state of hypotension in the head (Figure 2.1D). Dependent on the duration of the
space mission, this might make it impossible for astronauts to leave the spacecraft in
an upright position after landing. In addition, the function of the baroreceptor reflex
can become impaired in space and might need to be “re-trained” after return to
Earth. This results from the microgravity-induced lack of a hydrostatic pressure
gradient within the circulatory system. Because of this, the body no longer needs to
compensate for pressure differences associated with changes of body orientation
(e.g., from supine to upright position) in order to maintain a stable blood pressure.
As a consequence, this adaptive function will not be used in space. Dependent on
the duration of the mission, this can result in reduced effectivity of the baroreceptor
reflex and contribute to cardiovascular problems during re-adaptation to Earth
conditions [Clément, 2005].
2.2.2. Vestibular and sensory-motor system

Even more challenging for an effective adaptation to the space environment are the
microgravity-related changes of signal processing in the vestibular system and the
sensory-motor system. The vestibular system consists of the non-auditory parts of
the inner ear, which include the three semicircular canals and the otolith organs
[Howard, 1986a]. The three canals are sensitive to rotations of the head (i.e., they
indicate any kind of angular accelerations of head and body). The otolith organs,
which include the utricles and saccules, are sensitive to linear accelerations of the
head and – most important in this context – to changes of the body’s position with
respect to the direction of gravitational force. During evolution, the human
vestibular system has been optimized to support two important functions: the
upright orientation and movement on Earth, and the coordination of head and eye
movements. This mainly is achieved by means of two subcortical mechanisms, the
vestibulo-spinal reflexes and the vestibulo-ocular reflexes [Howard, 1986b]. The
former ones are based on nerve pathways between the otoliths and motor neurons in
the spine and are involved in the regulation of muscle tone and postural control. The
latter ones are responsible for the coordination of eye movements. This includes
counteracting or compensating for movements of the head in order to maintain
ocular fixation on visual targets. Gravity-dependent signals from the otolith organs
provide important input for both of these mechanisms. Yet under microgravity, the
afferent information from the otolith organs is significantly altered due to the
elimination of gravity-related signals. That is, the otolith organs no longer provide
information about the direction of the head or body with respect to the vertical but
remain only sensitive to linear accelerations of the body. This alteration has
important consequences, which require complex adaptive processes and which can
affect the well-being and performance of astronauts during their adaptation to the
space environment
The first consequence regards the coordination of body posture and movement.
This coordination represents an autonomous process that is based on complex
sensory-motor programs which coordinate the activity of muscles in the trunk and
limbs with incoming (afferent) signals from the eyes, the vestibular organs, and
proprioceptors in ankles, joints and muscles. On Earth, this system has been
optimized with respect to postural control and body movements under gravity. The
nearly absent gravitational force in space challenges this system to a considerable
degree by changing the usual pattern of afferent sensory information. For example,
this directly affects vestibulo-spinal reflexes as well as other mechanisms of
postural control, which show characteristic changes immediately after return from a
space flight compared to pre-flight assessments [Reschke et al., 1998]. The lack of
gravity not only alters afferent sensory information, but it also affects the
mechanical conditions under which postural control and movements must be
performed. Astronauts need to learn how to move without using their legs in a 3-
dimensional environment that has negligible frictional forces. This requires new
strategies of sensory-motor coordination and the acquisition of new locomotion
skills. Normally, this learning process develops very quickly, and the necessary
skills to move smoothly under microgravity conditions are acquired within the first
4 weeks in space. The effects of this adaptation can be studied by comparing
movement patterns of astronauts pre-flight and post-flight. Most astronauts exhibit
some kind of postural and gait instability after they return from a space mission,
which suggests that they have developed specific sensory-motor programs for
control of movements in space that are different from those needed for moving on
Earth.
Even more important consequences of the alteration of vestibular signals in
space involve the distortion of the visuo-ocular reflexes, indicated by disturbances
of eye-movements and gaze stability [André-Deshays et al., 1993; Clarke et al.,
2000; Clément, 1998], as well as a loss of the usual congruence between visual,
vestibular and proprioceptive signals. The latter induces sensory conflicts which, on
the one hand, lead to disturbances of spatial orientation and several visual illusions,
which will be described in more detail in Chapter 3. However, the most severe
consequence of these conflicts seems to be the development of space motion
sickness (SMS), which can considerably degrade the well-being and fitness of
astronauts during the first days in space [Lackner and DiZio, 2006; Reschke et al.,
1994, 1998].
The main characteristics of SMS are summarized in Table 2.1. In general, the
symptoms of SMS resemble those of terrestrial motion sickness, including enhanced
malaise, loss of appetite, lack of initiative, stomach awareness, brief and sudden
vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness. The only notable exception is that pallor usually
is not present, which can easily be explained by the excessive blood volume in the
head resulting from the fluid shift effect [Lackner and DiZio, 2006].
Table 2.1. Main Characteristics of Space Motion Sickness. Sources: Davies et al. [1988];
Lackner and DiZio [2006]; Matsnev et al. [1983]; Reschke et al. [1994, 1998].
Main Characteristics of Space Motion Sickness
Onset Within minutes to 1–2 h after exposure to microgravity in most

susceptible subjects; delayed onset after more than 24 h in space
occasionally has been observed
Duration Usually 1–3 days; occasionally up to 7 days
Symptoms Malaise
Loss of appetite
Stomach awareness
Brief and sudden vomiting (often without prodromal nausea)
Flushing or (less often) pallor
Nausea
Lack of initiative
Impaired concentration
Drowsiness
Incidence 44%–67% for astronauts on their first flight
Up to 85% for less trained non-career astronauts
Provoking Factors Fast movements of head or body
Countermeasures Pre-flight training to familiarize astronauts with the kind of

vestibular stimulation and sensory conflicts arising from altered
vestibular input in space
Preventive autogenic feedback or biofeedback training to enhance

individual control over autonomic responses
Anti-motion sickness medication such as promethazine
Most of the symptoms of SMS occur within the first hours after exposure to
microgravity and last for up to 4 days in affected astronauts. Interestingly, none of
these symptoms were observed in the first US astronauts traveling in Mercury and
Gemini capsules, where the room to move was very limited. This points to another
important characteristic of SMS: its sensitivity to fast head and body movements.
Both anecdotal reports from astronauts and cosmonauts, as well as systematic
observations during space flight, suggest that such movements evoke or exacerbate
the symptoms of SMS [Lackner and DiZio, 2006].
The incidence rates of SMS are quite high. According to Russian and American
sources, 44%–67% of space travelers develop SMS to some degree, and this rate
can increase to 85% for non-career individuals such as scientists, who are less well
trained [Davis et al., 1988; Matsnev, et al., 1983]. Given this high incidence and the
impact of SMS on an astronaut’s general fitness, SMS has to be regarded as one of
the most important issues of primary physiological adaptation to the weightless
conditions in space. Corresponding problems can also occur after re-entry and
landing, particularly if astronauts return from long-duration space missions.
However, only a few reports are available of this “mal débarquement”, and
systematic research is still lacking [Clément, 2005; Lackner and DiZio, 2006].
Several theories have been proposed to account for the underlying factors
causing SMS. The most commonly accepted one today is the “sensory conflict
theory” [Lackner and DiZio, 2006]. According to this theory, any kind of motion
sickness develops if sensory signals from different receptors provide incongruent
information about an ongoing movement of the body, or if the afferent signals
associated with a movement do not fit expectations. In space, this kind of conflict
particularly arises between visual and vestibular inputs, at least until the astronaut
has become used to the microgravity-related changes in otolith functions. In
addition, initially unfamiliar patterns of proprioceptive input from muscles, ankles
and joints during voluntary movements under weightless conditions may contribute
to sensory confusions during the first days in space. The fact that head and body
movements have been found to be highly-provoking factors for symptoms of SMS
is consistent with this explanation, although the detailed physiological mechanisms
are as yet largely unknown. Alternatively, it has been suggested that the
development of SMS might closely be related to increases in intracranial and
vestibular pressures induced by the headward shift of body fluids described in
Section 2.2.1. However, the empirical support for this “fluid shift hypothesis” has
been limited and not very convincing [Lackner and DiZio, 2006].
The fact that 77% of astronauts who have been found susceptible to SMS during
their first flight also develop symptoms on following flights [Davis et al., 1988]
suggests that stable individual characteristics might contribute to this susceptibility.
Accordingly, attempts have been made to identify individual predictors for SMS-
proneness and ability to adapt to microgravity in astronauts. These attempts have
included studies of individual personality characteristics, personal history of motion
sickness events assessed by specific motion sickness questionnaires, and perform-
ance in specific susceptibility tests on the ground. As yet, none of these approaches
has been successful predicting likelihood of SMS [Lackner and DiZio, 2006].
Different countermeasures for SMS have been proposed, both pre-launch and
during the mission. Pre-flight countermeasures include training to familiarize
astronauts with the kinds of complex vestibular stimulation and sensory conflict to
be expected in space [Reschke et al., 1994]. One example of this approach is the
NASA Pre-Flight Adaptation Trainer, which confronts astronauts with sensory
conflicts between visual and vestibular stimulation similar to those occurring during
space flight. According to Clément [2005], first experiences with this kind of
training reveal it to be a promising approach for reducing the severity of SMS
symptoms in space. In fact, it seems to be more efficient than other kinds of
vestibular training (e.g., rotating chairs), which usually are highly demanding for
astronauts.
In-flight countermeasures include pharmacological treatment, which is either
applied preventively or after the first symptoms of SMS have developed. Anti-
motion sickness drugs used for this purpose have included combinations of
scopolamine and dexedrine, as well as (even more commonly) promethazine
[Lackner and DiZio, 2006]. The main disadvantage of these drugs is their side
effects, which can considerably degrade cognitive and psychomotor performance
functioning. Possible alternatives to pharmacological treatment of SMS are
behavioral techniques such as biofeedback or autogenic feedback training [Cowings
and Tosacano, 1982]. Such training works by training the astronaut to effectively
control her/his autonomic responses to sensory conflicts in space, thus reducing
their adverse effects. However, the effectiveness of these behavioural techniques
relative to pharmacological treatment is a matter of dispute [Cowings and Toscano,
2000; Lackner and DiZio, 2006], and more work needs to be done to evaluate their
usefulness in space.
2.2.3. Musculo-skeletal system

The third system that is significantly affected by the loss of gravitational force in
space is the system involving muscles and bones. During evolution, this system has
been shaped to support the weight of humans induced by gravity, as well as to allow
for an upright posture and movement against the mechanical impact of the
gravitational force. In fact, more than half of all muscles in the human body are
involved in dealing with gravity. In particular, this holds for most skeletal muscles
in the legs and lower back. Similarly, the main weight-bearing bones of the legs and
the lower spine are mostly loaded by gravitational force.
During spaceflight, microgravity progressively leads to a significant decrease of
muscle volume and strength (i.e., muscle atrophy), as well as a reduction of fatigue
resistance, particularly in those muscles that are required to oppose gravity [Jaweed,
1994]. In addition, hypoactivity due to confinement in a comparatively small living
environment contributes to these effects. Muscle atrophy can be observed after the
first few days in space. If no appropriate countermeasures are applied (see Section
2.2.4), astronauts can lose up to 20% of muscle mass during short-term missions
and up to 50% during long-term missions. This decrease of muscle mass
significantly contributes to the weight loss that is is usually observed in astronauts
during space missions. Moreover, the decrement of muscle mass is associated with
structural alterations that affect the contraction strength of the muscles. This effect
is more pronounced in muscles supporting activities against the gravitational force.
According to Clément [2005], the combination of effects on muscle volume and
strength in space is similar to that seen in bed rest patients or the elderly. As a
consequence, the returning astronaut can have severe difficulties maintaining a
stable upright position or moving effectively on Earth, depending on the duration of
his/her stay in space.
The decreased mechanical load on the body in space also affects the weight-
bearing bones in the legs and lower spine. In these bones, a decrease of mass results
that is due to a process of bone demineralization [Jaweed, 1994]. This is also
reflected ín an elevated urinary excretion of calcium, the main mineral incorporated

in the bones. The process of bone demineralization leads to a progressively
diminished bone mineral density that is similar to that observed in the elderly or in
people suffering from osteoporosis. The main risks associated with bone
demineralization are an increased risk of bone fracture and an increased risk of renal
stones due to the elevated calcium excretion. However, both risks can be reduced if
appropriate countermeasures are applied, which usually represent a combination of
exercise (see Section 2.2.4) and nutritional diet. In addition, preventive
pharmacological treatment may help [Clément, 2005].
The similarity of bone demineralization in space to the aging processes and to
osteoporosis has made this effect of microgravity an interesting topic for physio-
logical and medical research. However, not all of this research needs to be
conducted during actual space missions. Instead, so called “bed rest” studies can be
used to study these effects on Earth. During bed rest studies, individuals are kept in
a horizontal position for several days or even weeks or months, usually combined
with a 6° head-down bed tilt. This leads to physiological effects that resemble those
of microgravity (e.g., hypoactivity, decreased mechanical force on weight-bearing
muscles and bones, absence of a hydostatic pressure gradient along the head-foot
axis). Accordingly, this approach not only has been used to study effects analogous
to those in space on muscles and bones, but also on the cardiovascular system in an
Earth-bound setting.
2.2.4. Physiological deconditioning and countermeasures

Most of the physiological functions that are acutely affected by microgravity show a
rapid adjustment to this new environmental condition during the first 3–14 days in
space, and most of the physiological systems reach a new steady state of “normal”
functioning within 4–6 weeks [Nicogossian et al., 1994]. This appears to be the
period needed to fully adapt to the physical peculiarities of the space environment.
The only exceptions are changes in muscles and bones, which continue throughout
the entire stay in space (if no countermeasures are employed – see below).
It is important to understand that the effects described above reflect normal
physiological responses to the environmental conditions of living and working in
space. Certainly, they cannot be regarded as pathological, and they demonstrate that
humans are highly adaptive organisms. However, this adaptivity is associated with
considerable “costs” which become apparent as soon as an astronaut returns to
Earth. Some of these costs have been described above in discussing the
cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal systems (e.g., loss of orthostatic tolerance,
muscle atrophy, bone demineralization).
However, the degree of de-conditioning in these systems and their related risks
can be reduced to a considerable degree by applying specific countermeasures dur-
ing the flight. The most important countermeasure in this respect is exercising on a
regular basis [Nicogossian et al., 1994; Kozlovskaya et al., 1995; Bogomolov et al.,
2007]. For this purpose, specific exercise devices have been available on the Space
Shuttle and orbital space stations (e.g., Salyut, Skylab, Mir, ISS). For example, on
ISS the main exercise devices available to the cosmonauts and astronauts include a
cycle ergometer, a treadmill, and a resistive exercise device.
The cycle ergometer (CVIS1) can be driven by hand or foot and is mainly used
for maintaining cardiovascular functions and endurance of leg muscles. In addition,
specific arm training and pre-breathe exercises are performed on this device as
preparation for extra-vehicular activities (EVA). The device supports exercising in
the supine or sitting position, and it can be operated in a manual or electronic mode
with a maximum load of 350 W. Optional waist straps and back support are
available to fix the position of the astronaut in weightlessness.
The treadmill allows for walking and running exercises, as well as deep knee
bends and resistive training (i.e., training against an induced force). Two spring-
loaded cords attached to a harness around the astronaut’s waist keep him or her in a
stable position. For resistive training, the treadmill can be equipped with a
subjective loading device (see below). This device induces loads on the astronaut of
up to 100% of his body weight in order to simulate the impact of 1-g forces while
exercising. Exercising on the treadmill is used as a countermeasure for impairments
of cardiovascular functions, decrements of muscle endurance, and loss of bone
mass. In addition, it provides training of neurophysiological pathways and reflexes
needed to walk under the impact of gravity when the astronaut returns home.
The multi-purpose resistive exercise device (RED) is specifically designed to
support exercises preserving bone density and muscle strength, particularly in the
lower part of the body, which is most affected by the detrimental effects of micro-
gravity. It consists of a pair of crank canisters connected to a shoulder harness
which are used to passively exert a selectable load on the astronaut. Typical
exercises on the RED include squats, heel raises, or deadlifts. In addition, the RED
can be combined with the treadmill for resistive training.
The duration of exercise on the different devices is dependent on the length of
the mission and the individual characteristics of the astronaut. During typical short-
term missions lasting up to 2 weeks, astronauts usually exercise for about 30 min
per day. During long-term missions, this time is considerably prolonged. For ISS
crews, flight surgeons commonly recommend daily exercise sessions of about 2–2.5 h
in order to counter the detrimental effects of de-conditioning. The results of these
exercise programs are evaluated on a regular basis by specific fitness tests while the
astronauts are in space. Based on the results of these tests, the details of the exercise
programs are adapted and tailored to the individual needs of astronauts. These
general characteristics of exercise programs in space are essentially the same for
astronauts and cosmonauts. However, Russian countermeasures for cosmonauts also
involve the wearing of so called Penguin loading suits, which make it necessary to
perform movements against some opposing force [Bogomolov et al., 2007].
In addition to the general in-flight exercise program, more specific counter-
measures are applied before astronauts return to Earth from a long-term mission.
These countermeasures include “lower body negative pressure”(LBNP) training and
fluid loading by intake of a water-salt additive. LBNP training is done by using a
device that makes it possible to establish low-pressure conditions in the lower part
1
The acronym stands for “Cycle Ergometer with Vibration, Isolation and Stabilization”. Vibration,
isolation and stabilization refer to specific elements that prevent vibration of the space station that might
result from astronauts who are working out. Vibration needs to be avoided because it is annoying and
because it might disturb ongoing scientific experiments.
of the body, as compared to the ambient pressure. The astronaut dons a “trouser”-
like device that completely encloses the legs and lower abdomen and can be pro-
gressively de-pressurized down to a pressure difference of -60 mmHg with respect
to ambient conditions. This induces conditions in the lower part of the body that are
similar to those experienced by an upright individual on Earth. The immediate
consequence is a pooling of body fluids in the legs. This in turn challenges the
cardiovascular system to increase the blood pressure and the muscle tone in the leg
vessels in order to maintain the return of blood to the heart. Because this procedure
involves the risk that the astronaut may become dizzy or unconscious if the
depressurization is performed too fast, a close monitoring of heart rate and blood
pressure is required during LBNP training.
Fluid loading with a saline solution may compensate to a certain degree for the
general loss of body fluid volume in space. This can further contribute to a
reduction of problems associated with low blood pressure and increased heart rate
after re-entry and landing.
The foregoing description should have made it clear how much effort is needed
and invested to counteract the problems of de-conditioning in space. However, even
this effort is by no means sufficient to completely maintain all bodily functions and
the physical fitness needed for life on Earth. While astronauts returning from long-
duration space missions might be able to walk short distances on their own after
landing, this capability usually is limited, and it usually takes several weeks of post-
return rehabilitation until the former maximum exercise capacity has returned. This
might not present too big problem for astronauts returning home from missions
lasting a few weeks or month, but it would be of much more concern with respect to
future expeditionary missions to other planets. For example, astronauts traveling to
Mars will be exposed to several months of microgravity before finally arriving at
the Red Planet, and then they would have to cope with gravitational force again
(albeit reduced compared to Earth). Because intensive “post-flight” rehabilitation
programs like the those employed after return to Earth would probably not be
available, the need to avoid de-conditioning effects during the long transfer phase
from Earth to Mars will be even greater during these missions. This has led to ideas
of applying some kind of “artificial gravity” to astronauts during such expeditionary
missions [Young, 1999].
Despite the expense and engineering challenges, artificial gravity would have
the advantage of reducing the detrimental effects of microgravity in all relevant
physiological systems simultaneously. Principally, two options could be considered.
The first involves the provision of artificial gravity on a permanent basis. This could
be achieved, for example, if the whole spacecraft was slowly rotated while moving
through space. The extent of g-forces that might be induced by this approach
depends on the frequency of the rotation and the distance from the center of rotation
(i.e., the radius of rotation). Technological options to establish permanent artificial
gravity on a mission to Mars have been discussed by Zubrin [1997] and, more
recently involving the Space Shuttle, by Bukley et al. [2007]. However, beside its
technological complexity, such a solution would create problems related to
vestibular functioning (e.g., coriolis and other effects), which may be a limiting
factor to this approach [Clément, 2005]. As a possible alternative, intermittent
exposures to artificial gravity have been discussed that might be applied by means
of short-arm centrifuges available onboard the spacecraft. Such devices have been
used for research in space, but they have not been operationally applied for
countermeasure purposes during actual space missions [Clément et al., 2001, 2004].
However, with respect to extremely long missions such as a trip to Mars, the part-
time provision of artificial gravity may represent the best “integrated
countermeasure” [Bukley et al., 2007] for de-conditioning effects, and it is hoped
that research and suitability studies addressing artificial gravity will become more
important in the future.
2.3. Sleep and circadian rhythms

For the first 2 decades of human spaceflight, issues of sleep and circadian rhythms
in space did not get much attention. In contrast to the amount of physiological
research conducted on cardiovascular and vestibular functions, or the impact of
microgravity on bones and muscles, the effects of the space environment on the
circadian system of humans and processes of sleep regulation remained largely
unexplored. However, this situation has changed. It has become recognized that
sleep disturbances and fatigue, as well as alterations of circadian rhythms in
astronauts, are among the most important factors contributing to impaired well-
being, alertness, and performance during space missions. This is supported by data
from Russian space flights. Analyses of crew errors observed during 14 Mir
missions involving 28 cosmonauts and 342 weeks on-orbit revealed a significant
correlation between the occurrence of errors and deviations in the usual sleep-wake
cycle (e.g., prolonged work shifts or other operational shifts of work-rest times)
[Nechaev, 2001].
As a consequence, research exploring the nature of sleep and circadian rhythms
has increased. Optimizing the work-rest schedules of astronauts, as well as
monitoring them for fatigue, are viewed as important factors in maintaining
behavioral health and performance efficiency in space [Flynn, 2005; Mallis and
DeRoshia, 2005].
2.3.1. Empirical findings from space: phenomenology of sleep disturbances

Subjective reports from astronauts, as well as objective studies of sleep during
American and Russian space missions, show that sleep in space is shorter, more
disturbed, and often shallower than on Earth, with a considerable degree of inter-
individual variation [Frost et al., 1976; Santy et al., 1988; Stoilova et al., 1990,
2003; Gundel et al., 1993, 1997, 2001; Monk et al., 1998, 2001; Dijk et al., 2001].
Most of these effects have been observed during short-duration space flights, and
first results from long-duration missions suggest that they primarily occur during the
first 2–4 weeks of a space mission, although the database for such a conclusion is
very small [Frost et al., 1976; Gundel et al., 2001].
Table 2.2 summarizes the results of an analysis of subjective reports on sleep
quantity during U.S. Shuttle missions [Santy et al., 1988]. It is evident that sleep on-
orbit is considerably restricted compared to sleep on Earth, with an average duration
Table 2.2. Average Sleep [Hours] of American Astronauts During Single-Shift and Dual-
Shift Shuttle Missions. For comparison: average sleep of an astronaut control
group on the ground: 7.9 h. Source: Santy et al. [1988].
Mission Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Single-Shift 5.7 6.2 6.2 6.1 6.2 6.0 5.3
[n=36]
Dual-Shift 5.7 6.2 6.4 6.3 6.3 6.1 5.8
[n=22]
of about 6 h. Many of the astronauts involved in this study reported that they had
less than 4 h of sleep at least once in-flight, and one astronaut even reported having
less than 5 h of sleep every night in space. Furthermore, 50% of the astronauts on
dual-shift flights, and 19.4% of single-shift crewmembers, acknowledged using
sleep medications at least once during the mission to get an appropriate amount of
sleep on-orbit. This is in good accordance with recently published data, which show
that hypnotics are the second most used medications during space flight, surpassed
only by drugs for space motion sickness [Putcha et al., 1999].
These subjective reports of astronauts coincide remarkably well with results of
sleep monitoring studies during space flight based on polysomnography; i.e.,
monitoring of brain electrical activity during sleep by means of EEG-recordings,
[Frost et al., 1976; Gundel et al., 1993, 1997, 2001; Monk et al., 1998; Dijk et al.,
2001]. All of these studies provide objective evidence for reduced sleep quantity
and more disturbed sleep during the first 30 days of a space mission. In addition,
they point to changes of sleep structure in space. Normal sleep consists of several
cycles of two different phases referred to as REM sleep (characterized by
comparatively shallow sleep associated with rapid eye movements) and non-REM
sleep. Each of these cycles lasts approximately 90 min, with non-REM sleep
followed by initially short phases of REM sleep, which become progressively
longer during the course of the night. Within non-REM phases, four different stages
of sleep can be distinguished, with stages of deep sleep characterized by increased
portions of slow “delta” activity in the EEG signal (i.e., brain electrical activity of
comparatively low frequency, < 4 Hz, and high amplitude). Accordingly, these
stages of sleep are also referred to as “slow wave” sleep. During space flight, some
subtle but significant alterations of this sleep architecture have been found. Gundel
et al. [1997] investigated the sleep of four astronauts on short-duration and long-
duration flights to the former Russian space station Mir. Whereas overall sleep
efficiency was maintained in space, the duration of the initial non-REM sleep was
shortened (i.e., the first episode of REM sleep occurred earlier), and the amount of
slow wave sleep was found to be increased in the second non-REM phase compared
to sleep on the ground. In contrast to the reductions of sleep duration that were only
observed during the first 30 days on-orbit, none of the above other effects showed
an adaptation throughout the mission. For one cosmonaut, they remained visible
even after more than 400 days in space [Gundel et al., 2001]. Monk et al. [1998]
analyzed the sleep of four astronauts on a U.S. Shuttle mission. In these astronauts,
no alterations of REM sleep were found, but there was a general decrease of slow
wave sleep that indicated that sleep in space became shallower than on Earth. Other
studies did not observe comparable alterations of in-flight sleep [Frost et al., 1976;
Dijk et al., 2001]. However, they found a considerable increase of REM sleep and a
reduction of REM latency during the first week after return to Earth, which they
assumed might be related to the transfer back from microgravity to a normal gravity
environment. Even though these different results lack consistency with respect to
the specific pattern of alterations of sleep architecture and point to considerable
inter-individual differences, they all suggest that space flight is associated with a
general reduction of sleep duration, increased sleep disturbances, and specific
changes of sleep regulation processes.
2.3.2. Empirical findings from space: sleep disturbances

and circadian rhythms
What do we know about the origins of these effects? As becomes evident from
anecdotal reports, sleep disturbances and reductions of sleep duration of individual
astronauts in space often are due to obvious external factors like uncomfortable
ambient temperature, constantly high noise level induced by the fans of the life-
support system, space motion sickness, emotional arousal and excitement, or general
discomfort due to uncomfortable sleeping bags or lack of familiar proprioceptive
cues [Mallis and DeRoshia, 2005; Monk et al., 1998; Santy et al., 1988; Stuster,
1996]. In addition, workload and deviations of the scheduled work-rest cycle may
contribute significantly to reductions of sleep times in space. This is suggested by
findings that bedtimes in space are often delayed due to operational demands or
social/recreational activities [Gundel et al., 1997; Dijk et al., 2001]. In contrast,
wake-up times are mainly controlled by mission control personnel, and they are
fairly stable throughout a mission. As a consequence, any delay in bedtime directly
leads to a reduction of the time originally scheduled for sleep. Since this effect is
most pronounced during early flight, it would also explain the recovery of sleep
times to an almost normal amount in the course of a long-duration mission [Frost
et al., 1976; Gundel et al., 2001].
Alterations of sleep may also be affected by the adverse impacts of the space
environment on the physiology of sleep regulation. According to commonly
accepted models, two interacting processes are involved in this regulation
[Achermann, 2004; Borbély, 1982]. The first one is referred to as “Process S”. It
represents a homeostatic process that is reflected in an increase of sleep propensity
over the waking phase and a decline of this propensity during sleep. A direct
physiological marker of this process is the portion of slow wave activity in the
human EEG, which increases progressively over the duration of wakefulness (i.e., it
is low after awakening and high before going to sleep). After sleep onset, this
accumulated sleep propensity is reduced rapidly during the first three hours of sleep,
which represents the most restorative sleep phase. This is reflected in the time
course of slow wave activity in the sleep EEG. Under normal conditions, this “slow
wave sleep” only emerges within the first non-REM sleep periods. After about three
hours of continuous sleep, it typically is reduced to a considerable extent, or it does

not occur at all anymore [Borbély, 1982]. However, as has been described above,
subtle changes in sleep architecture have been observed in some astronauts in space.
This suggests that the Process S of sleep regulation might be directly affected by
either the microgravity environment or the general stress related to confinement
during space flight. More specifically, the effects of gravity have been assumed to
play a role in the observed alterations of non-REM/REM sleep regulation during
and after space missions. These are primarily reflected in reduced REM latencies
on-orbit [Gundel et al., 1997] and the consistent finding of increased REM sleep
and decreased REM latencies during re-adaptation to the gravity environment after
return to Earth [Frost et al., 1976; Dijk et al., 2001]. In addition, the finding of
reduced amounts of slow wave sleep [Monk et al., 1998] can be taken as an
indicator of alterations of Process S in space. However, the specific underlying
mechanisms of these effects are unknown, and further research is required to
substantiate this hypothesis.
The second major physiological process affecting sleep regulation is the
circadian process, which relates to rhythmical changes of virtually all physiological
and psychological functions throughout the day-night cycle and is an adaptation of
the human organism to the natural change of day and night on Earth. During
evolution, these circadian rhythms have been shaped to physiologically support
activity during the day and rest and sleep during the night. The underlying
mechanism includes an endogenous pacemaker (“internal clock”) located in the
hypothalamus. In the absence of any external time cues, this pacemaker runs with an
autonomous period of 24.2 h [Czeisler et al., 1999]. But normally, it becomes
entrained and synchronized with the external 24-h day by environmental time cues
(“zeitgebers”). The most important zeitgeber for humans is the alteration of daylight
and darkness, yet social and cognitive cues (e.g., timing of meals, social contacts
and physical activity, awareness of clock time) also contribute to synchronizing the
processes controlled by the internal clock [Zulley, 2000]. One important marker of
this circadian process is body temperature, which is highest during the late
afternoon and early evening and lowest in the early morning between 3 and 7
o’clock. The latter marks the nadir of the circadian process, where all physiological
functions affected by it are in a kind of “rest state”.
As has been shown in laboratory studies and studies on jet-lag and shift-work, a
misalignment of internal biological rhythms and the work-rest schedule can lead to
sleep disturbances, daytime sleepiness, and impairments of well-being and
performance. In particular, this holds for a shift of phase relationship between
circadian changes of body temperature and the sleep-wake cycle. Increased
sleepiness usually coincides with the circadian minimum of body temperature at the
onset of the night, and falling asleep at this time seems to be an important condition
for undisturbed and restorative sleep [Czeisler et al., 1980; Monk and Moline, 1989;
Zulley et al., 1981].
A disturbing misalignment of temperature rhythm and sleep-wake cycle can
result from two different effects [Folkard and Monk, 1983]. First, it can be due to a
de-synchronization of the circadian system, which often has been found in the
laboratory when individuals were kept isolated from any external time cues for a
certain period [Wever, 1979]. In this case, the temperature rhythm and the sleep-
wake cycle start to “free run” with different periods. Second, it can result from an
internal dissociation of circadian phase relationships; i.e., where both rhythms are
kept entrained to a 24-h schedule but show a constant difference between their
circadian phases, resulting from a phase advance or delay of the sleep-wake cycle
relative to an unchanged temperature rhythm or vice versa. Such alterations of
circadian phase relationships are typical for single episodes of night work, or for the
first days after traveling across different time zones on Earth (“jet-lag”). In addition,
such shifts also have been found in environments where the strength of the natural
zeitgeber is weakened. For example, Gander et al. [1991] analyzed changes in the
circadian system of three participants of an expedition to Antarctica during the polar
summer when photic zeitgebers are absent due to permanent daylight. In these
individuals, the temperature rhythms showed a phase delay of about 2 h (i.e., the
minimum of body temperature occurred 2 h later than usual). Because bedtimes
remained unchanged, this led to a shift of the circadian phase relationship between
temperature rhythm and sleep-wake cycle, leading to an elevated temperature during
sleep associated with difficulties falling asleep, increased sleep disturbances, and
feelings of poor sleep quality.
Space habitats also share the issue of absent, or at least weakened, photic time
cues. Given the speed of an orbiting space craft, each complete cycle of sunrise and
sunset takes about 90 min, and the level of indoor lighting usually is too low to
compensate fully for this lack of natural daylight time cues. Moreover, operational
demands often make it necessary to advance or delay the work-rest schedule, or
even to shorten its period to less than 24 h during space flight [Dijk et al., 2001]. As
a consequence, disturbances of circadian rhythms, particularly an internal
dissociation of temperature period and sleep-wake cycle, might be expected to arise
during space flight and to contribute to sleep disturbances in space. Only a few
studies have addressed this issue [Gundel et al., 1997; Monk et al., 1998; Dijk et al.,
2001]. No study has revealed any indication of a complete “free run” of the
circadian temperature rhythm in space. Obviously, the strict organization of diurnal
routines, including a regular schedule of wake-up times and meals, combined with
alterations of indoor illumination aboard a space habitat, are sufficient to entrain the
human circadian system to a more or less stable 24-h rhythm in space. However, it
does not seem to be sufficient to keep the internal circadian rhythm completely
aligned with the sleep-wake schedule or to prevent changes in the waveform of
rhythms. Similar to the results reported from Antarctica, phase delays of the
temperature or cortisol rhythms relative to the sleep-wake cycle have been found in
some astronauts [Gundel et al., 1997; Dijk et al., 2001]. Others showed a reduced
circadian amplitude and altered waveform of body temperature rhythm [Dijk et al.,
2001]. All of these effects seem to be related to the weakened strength and altered
structure of zeitgebers in space and may contribute to sleep disturbances, increased
fatigue, and impairments of well-being during space flight.
2.3.3. Operational significance

What are the operational consequences of the observed alterations of sleep and
circadian rhythm in space? The first consequence involves possible risks that can
arise from chronically restricted sleep times in space. The studies described above
provide consistent evidence for reduced sleep in astronauts, at least during the first
2–4 weeks of a space mission, with an average sleep duration of slightly more than
6 h. Thus, the sleep of astronauts in space is decreased by 1–2 h, as compared
with their optimum sleep time of 7–8 h. In addition, the report of an average sleep
time of 6 h implies that there are a number of sleep episodes where astronauts sleep
even less than this amount [Santy et al., 1988].
The possible effects of sleep restriction on wake-time cognitive performance,
wake-time sleepiness, and sleep physiology have been addressed in a number of
recent studies [Belenky et al., 2003; Dinges et al., 1997; van Dongen et al., 2003].
The results of these studies suggest that mild to moderate restrictions of sleep to less
than 6 h per night result in cognitive performance decrements after two consecutive
nights. These decrements include increased response times and number of lapses in
simple reaction time tasks, slowing of performance in mental arithmetic tasks, or
impaired working memory functions. If the sleep restrictions persists for a longer
time, performance impairments accumulate over time until opportunities for
recovery sleep are provided. The strength of these effects are directly related to the
amount of sleep restriction; i.e., they display a sleep dose-dependent effect. After 14
consecutive nights of sleep limited to 4–6 h, the accumulated performance decre-
ments correspond to those found under conditions of one or two nights of complete
sleep loss [van Dongen et al., 2003]. A complete recovery from performance decre-
ments accumulated across several nights of sleep restriction can take longer than
might suspected. The data of Belenky et al. [2003] suggest that even three nights of
unrestricted recovery sleep are not sufficient to return performance to a normal level
after seven consecutive nights of moderately restricted sleep (< 7 h). Similar, albeit
weaker, effects are observed in subjective ratings of sleepiness. These ratings
usually indicate a sleep dose-dependent increment of sleepiness after the first night
of limited sleep, but they do not show the same strong tendency for accumulation
over time.
Overall, these results provide evidence that sleep restrictions as those usually
observed during short-term spaceflights represent a serious issue that can affect the
wake-time performance and sleepiness of astronauts. Therefore, every provision
should be made to improve the conditions for an undisturbed and recuperative sleep
of sufficient duration on-orbit. Such provisions can include improvements of
habitability, like private and comfortable crew rest quarters with adequate shielding
against noise and light, as well as comfortable sleeping bags or restraints according
to the individual preferences of crewmembers [Gundel et al., 1997; Santy et al.,
1988]. A particular problem relates to a better management of ambient temperature
during sleep. This factor has often been complained about in recent subjective
reports [Monk et al., 1998].
However, the most important countermeasure for inappropriate sleep in space
represents a work-rest schedule that takes into account the sleep needs of astronauts.
This involves the avoidance of prolonged work shifts that restrict the time allocated
for rest and sleep. Realistic planning and organization of time lines for astronauts
are required, along with a strict adherence to defined crew schedule constraints that
have been included to protect rest and sleep times in space (see Chapter 6). In those
cases where sleep restrictions cannot be avoided for some reason, it must be ensured
that they do not persist for longer than two consecutive nights, and that they are
compensated for within a short time. The most effective compensation is prolonged
time for sleep during the following night(s). Alternatively, the provision of
opportunities for short sleep episodes (“naps”) during the work day prior to or
following a night of restricted sleep might represent a sufficient compensation. The
latter is suggested by empirical findings that show that the total duration of sleep
obtained within a 24-h period is the most important factor for ensuring the
restorative functions of sleep, regardless of whether the sleep is provided within one
uninterrupted nocturnal episode or by splitting it between an anchor sleep period at
night and additional diurnal naps [Mollicone et al., 2007].
A second set of operational consequences can be derived from the observed
alterations of circadian rhythms in space. These are usually smaller than have been
expected. None of the studies conducted so far have found any indication of a “free
run” of circadian rhythms in space. However, findings of phase delays and lowered
amplitude of the temperature rhythm, which can lead to an internal dissociation of
temperature and sleep-wake cycle, point to effects of the weakened structure of
zeitgebers on the circadian rhythms of astronauts. This might present a problem,
specifically for the in-flight circadian shifting of work-rest schedules required by
operational demands. For example, on the ISS a shift of sleeping times of space
crews often is necessary to match the work-rest schedules of the station crew with
those of a visiting Space Shuttle crew, or to support docking maneuvers of an
arriving re-supply Progress capsule. Each of these shifts represents a “stressor” for
the circadian system, and it remains to be shown whether the weakened zeitgebers
in space are still strong enough to keep the circadian system entrained, even after
several such events during a long-duration mission. As a consequence, the planning
of sleep shifts and the strategy of implementation of such shifts should be
considered very carefully.
Although it has been recommended to implement sleep shifting in space by a
step-by-step approach, operational reality often shows that shifts are implemented
abruptly with advance or delay periods of several hours introduced in one step
(“slam shifting”). From a circadian system point of view, such a shifting strategy
runs the risk of alertness and performance problems, as well as impairments of well-
being. Most problematic in this respect are shift advances (e.g., a change of sleep
time from 2200 to 1800 h, which shortens the working day during the shifting
period). Given that the natural circadian rhythm is a bit longer than a usual 24-h
day, the shortening of days is less well tolerated than a prolongation. The best
strategy of shift-advancing a work-rest schedule remains a matter of debate. A
recent set of empirical studies have investigated different alternatives in introducing
a 6-h shift advance in space [Monk et al., 2004, 2006]. The results suggested that a
shifting schedule involving small 30-min advances across 12 days was less
disturbing on the circadian system and the entrainment of the internal clock and
work-rest schedule than nine 2-h shift delays. Thus, the duration of steps of shifting
might represent a more important feature for an effective change in bedtimes than its
direction.
Finally, knowledge about the physiological processes involved in the regulation

of sleep and circadian rhythms might be used to schedule optimum times for
complex and safety-critical tasks of astronauts (e.g., extravehicular activities). For
this purpose, theoretical models are needed that predict levels of alertness and
performance of astronauts based on circadian phase and sleep history. Such models
already have been developed for applications on Earth (e.g., the predictions of
altertness and performance of truck drivers, locomotive engineers, or airline pilots)
[Akerstedt et al., 2004; van Dongen, 2004]. Usually they are based on the two-
process model of sleep regulation, described above. In addition, a third component
is sometimes added to account for the specific effects of sleep inertia after
awakening. These models do not fully address the alertness and performance of
astronauts on-orbit, but they are a good start. Further attempts in this direction have
been initiated by the NASA/Ames Fatigue Countermeasure Group [Mallis and
DeRoshia, 2005]. It can be expected that this effort will lead to the development of
more effective strategies for the management of alertness and fatigue during space
flights in the future.
2.4. Psychological adaptation to long-duration space flight:

general characteristics
2.4.1. Stages of adaptation over time
Reports of people working in isolated and confined environments have suggested
that adaptation to these extreme conditions proceed in stages characterised by
different changes of mood, performance, and interpersonal interactions of the
people involved [e.g. Lebedev, 1988; Stuster et al., 2000; Rivolier et al., 1991]. This
has led to the development of stage-models of human adaptation to confinement,
isolation and extreme physical environments [e.g. Bechtel and Berning, 1991;
Palinkas and Houseal, 2000; Rohrer, 1961].
Based on a review of early results from Antarctica and submarine research,
Rohrer [1961] has invoked a three-stage model to describe individual reactions to
prolonged isolation and confinement: a first stage marked by increased anxiety, a
second stage involving depressive reactions to monotony and boredom, and a final
stage shortly before the end of confinement, where emotional outbursts and
sometimes open hostility occur. Other models refer to what is known as the “general
adaptation syndrome” from classical stress research [Selye, 1956] in order to
describe the time course of human reactivity to extreme environments. For
example, Rivolier [1992; see also Decamps and Rosnet, 2005] proposed three stages
of adaptation of humans to the extreme polar environment which he viewed as the
normal temporal dynamic of what he called the winter-over mental syndrome. The
first was an “alarm stage”, where the participant of a polar expedition doubted
whether he or she could cope with the demands and wanted to return. This was
followed by a “resistance stage”, characterized by crewmembers protecting
themselves and controlling their environment and/or psychological condition.
During this stage, a transient improvement of individual mood was observed,
suggesting the implementation of successful coping mechanisms [Palinkas and
Houseal, 2000]. However, aggressive outbursts and conflicts with other crew
members also occurred, along with tendencies to withdraw, and crewmembers
invested much effort and resources in order to cope. This eventually led to a
depletion of resources characteristic of a third stage of adaptation, the “exhaustion
stage”. During this period, the affected crewmembers became more fatalistic and
accepted that they could not change their environmental and psychological
conditions.
The most influential adaptation stage model is that proposed by Bechtel and
Berning [1991]. This model states that the third quarter of a mission in an isolated
condition is the most critical psychological phase, where emotional and
interpersonal problems start to increase significantly (“third quarter phenomenon”).
On the one hand, crewmembers have the feeling that they already have passed the
halfway point of their time under the extreme conditions of isolation and separation
from family and friends. On the other hand, they realize that the other half of the
mission is yet to come before they can return home. Interestingly, it is assumed that
this effect emerges independent of the absolute duration of a specific mission (i.e., it
can be observed during short-term missions of several weeks, as well as long-term
missions of several months or even years). Because of its simplicity and high
plausibility, this model has become very popular for an understanding of human
adaptation to extreme environments.
2.4.2. Empirical findings from ground research: stages of adaptation

in analog environments and isolation studies
Research addressing the various stage models of human adaptation to extreme
environments has mainly been conducted in analog natural environments (e.g.,
Antartica) or as part of ground-based simulations of space flight. Most of these
studies have addressed the proposed “third-quarter phenomenon”. Several studies
have found support for this effect (e.g., a general decline of mood and an increase of
interpersonal tension after the halfway point of the mission) [Palinkas et al., 1998,
2000; Sandal, 2000, 2001; Sandal et al., 1995; Stuster et al., 2000] However, other
studies did not report any clear temporal pattern of emotional and mood-related
effects [Kanas et al., 1996; Steel and Suedfeld, 1991; Wood et al., 1999, 2005].
A recent study by Décamps and Rosnet [2005] suggests that this inconsistency
might be related to the fact that adaptation to extreme environments does not
represent a coherent phenomenon but may be due to different time courses for
different aspects of mood and behavior. In this study, adaptive responses of 27
individuals who participated in an over-wintering in Antarctica were monitored
across the entire duration of their mission, which lasted almost 1 year. Data
collected included systematic observations of different stress reactions in all
individuals that were obtained from the mission physician on a weekly basis using
an observational grid technique. Based on earlier work of Cazes et al. [1989], four
different categories of adaptive response were monitored, including thymic
reactions/mood changes (e.g., muteness, anxiety, boredom), social reactions (e.g.,
aggressive reactions towards others, withdrawal), somatic reactions (e.g., sleep
disturbances, headaches, alcohol abuse), and occupational reactions (e.g., inability
to complete tasks, withdrawal from work, overestimation of workload). The results
showed that the time course of adaptive reactions were different for the four
categories. A clear third-quarter-phenomenon only emerged with respect to mood
changes (thymic reactions). As expected, mood was more or less constant during the
first six month in Antarctica, but it became significantly more negative after the
halfway point of the mission. However, other time courses emerged for other
categories of behavior. For example, the number of negative social reactions
increased over the course of the mission, with a transient reduction in the second
half; somatic reactions displayed a decrease during the first half of the mission and
remained constant thereafter; and no significant variations over time were observed
for occupational reactions.
Other studies suggest that specific characteristics of the physical and
psychosocial environment may produce a moderating effect on the time course of
adaptive responses. For example, Palinkas and Houseal [2000] investigated mood
changes of polar expeditioners who participated in an over-wintering at polar
stations with different physical (e.g., altitude) and psychosocial (e.g., crew size)
characteristics. Different profiles of mood change over time were found for the
different stations.
All in all, these data from Antarctica and other analog environments suggest that
the basic assumption of a “third-quarter-phenomenon” should not be over-
generalized. Even though most of the data show that the time course of adaptation to
extreme environment does not represent a linear process and might be described
more appropriately as a sequence of stages, the detailed structure and number of
stages seem to be dependent on not only the kind of reactions studied, but also the
specific features of the environmental conditions.
2.4.3. Empirical findings from space: stages of psychological adaptation

during space missions
Most of the data available about the general aspects of individual psychological
adaptation to long-duration space missions are based on anecdotal reports, yet. One
important source consists of observations during Russian long-duration space
missions [Grigoriev et al., 1987, 1988; Gushin et al., 1993; Lebedev, 1988;
Myasnikov and Zamaletdinov, 1998]. These observations suggest that human
adaptation to long-duration space flight may be described as a sequence of four
different stages which bears some similarities to the stage models mentioned above
[Gushin et al., 1993]. Table 2.3 illustrates these stages based on observations made
during a 5-month space mission to the Russian space station Salyut 6.
The first stage involves basic adjustments to the novelty of being in space.
During this stage, the astronaut has to adapt to the conditions of microgravity and
the accompanying physiological changes, as well as to the other environmental
conditions in the space habitat. In addition, the astronaut has to adapt to the new
work-rest cycle and the workload according to the flight program. Impairments of
mood and well-being can be expected to result primarily from unpleasant side-
effects of physiological changes (headache, space motion sickness) and work
overload. The second stage represents a period where the astronaut has fully
adapted to the conditions of space flight and does not yet suffer from the negative
effects of confinement and isolation, the lack of comfort in the habitat, or the social
Table 2.3. Stages of Adaptation of a Russian Space Crew During a 5-month Space
Mission. Source: Gushin et al. [1993].
Stage Characteristics of Psychological State
1 Decreased work capability

Vestibular discomfort
Acute period of adaptation to microgravity
2 Period of complete adaptation
3 Sleep disturbances
Narrowed sphere of interest
Decreased activity
Irritability, fatigue fixation
Period of asthenic state of nervous system
4 Excitation, agitation
Lack of self control, euphoria
monotony within a small crew. According to Grigoriev et al. [1987], this adaptation
occurs by 6 weeks into a mission, and this time coincides with the estimations of the
time needed for sufficient physiological adaptation to microgravity (see above
Section 2.2).
The most critical stage, according to Russian experiences [Grigoriev et al., 1987;
Gushin et al., 1993], starts sometime between the 6th and 12th week of the mission,
when the crewmembers settle into the routine of work in space. This stage can last
until just before the end of the mission and show similarities to the “third-quarter-
phenomenon” observed in analogue environments. Significant psychological changes
can take place during this stage, mainly in mood, in response to the monotony and
boredom that result from low workload, hypo-stimulation, and restricted social
contacts due to separation from family and friends. Observed behavioral reactions
include emotional lability and hypersensitivity, increased irritability, and a con-
siderable decline of vigor and motivation. Also, more subtle psychological changes
have been reported to develop, and there are some indications that perceptual
sensitivities may be altered during long-duration space missions. For example,
Grigoriev et al. [1988] noted that during Salyut 6 and 7 missions, some cosmonauts
experienced increased sensitivity to loud sounds after 3–5 months in space. Similar
perceptual hypersensitivity was reported by Kelly and Kanas [1992] in their survey
of astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space. Other observations point to a
change in preference for certain types of acoustic stimulation. For example it was
observed that cosmonauts started to prefer stimulating music after several weeks in
space or even expressed the wish to hear some Earthbound sounds or noise
[Grigoriev et al., 1987]. Finally, psychiatric developments have been reported from
this stage of the flight. In particular, a syndrome referred to as “asthenia” by
Russian space psychologists has been described. This syndrome is associated with
feelings of exhaustion, hypo-activity, low motivation, low appetite, and sleep
disturbances. It might eventually be followed by states of euphoria, depression, and
an accentuation of negative personality traits [Myasnikov and Zalmaletdinov, 1998].

Such reactions may be considered as signs of behavioral illness and will be dealt
with in great detail in Chapter 5. Finally a fourth stage is reached shortly before the
end of the mission. This stage has been described as a very busy period, where
feelings of euphoria prevail but which also may involve concerns about how it will
be to return to Earth after several months of confined living in space [Lebedev,
1988].
However, only few empirical spaceflight studies have systematically addressed
issues of time-course of adaptation in space. Manzey et al. [1998] monitored
subjectively perceived mood changes over time in one cosmonaut as part of a
performance monitoring study that will be described in more detail in Chapter 3.
"Emotional Balance/Alertness"
4
3
2
Factor Score
1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
4
"Sadness"
3
2
Factor Score
1
0
-1
-2
-3
1st month 2nd-4th 7th-9th 11th-14th
-4
- 87
- 34
- 3
- 2
4
5
6
11
12
19
20
27
34
41
48
68
69
96
97
185
186
193
199
208
216
244
326
348
363
398
413
420
427
+11
+12
+168
+168
+4
+4
+5
+6
Mission Day
Pre-Flight MIR-Station (14 months) Post-Flight
Figure 2.2. Variations of Subjective Mood and Alertness During a Long-Duration Space
Flight. The data represent factor scores derived from a principal component
analysis of subjective mood ratings of one cosmonaut before, during, and after a
438 day space flight in the Russian orbital station Mir.
Mood was assessed by 16 bipolar rating scales at 29 different time points during a
438-day Mir mission. Factor analyses of these data revealed two different factors of
mood reflecting “emotional balance and alertness” and feelings of “sadness”,
respectively. The time course of mood changes across pre-flight, in-flight, and post
flight periods as reflected in the factor scores is shown in Figure 2.2. As becomes
evident, the first factor reflected a primary adaptation period that lasted during the
first 3–4 weeks of the mission and was marked by considerable drops of perceived
emotional balance and alertness compared to pre-flight ratings. However, after this
adaptation period, there was little indication to support the kinds of stage models
that were described above. Only slightly elevated scores for the “sadness” factor
between flight days 185 and 244 might point to a possible deterioration of mood
around the midterm of the mission. A statistical evaluation was not possible, and the
relatively low frequency of mood assessments might have masked some effects in
this study.
Other research from space has addressed individual adaptation issues with
particular focus on time-related changes of crew interactions and crew-ground
communication [Kanas et al., 2001]. Although there is some evidence for crew
adaptation to space early on in the mission, there was little indication of group
stages during the mission itself. These studies will be described in detail in
Chapter 4.
Thus, the current empirical basis for a stage model of adaptation in space is
rather small and inconsistent. Given this inconsistency of empirical results, it
remains an open question whether such a model really provides an appropriate
framework for a description of general aspects of individual psychological
adaptation to the specific conditions of long-duration space flight. However, at least
the basic differentiation between a first stage of primary adaptation, which lasts
about 2–6 weeks, and a second one that includes most of the remaining time of a
mission seems to be suggested by the presently available data base.
2.5. Summary
• The space environment is an extreme living and working environment to which
humans are not naturally suited and which demands complex processes of
psychological and physiological adaptation.
• The main challenge for physiological adaptation in space is the lack of the usual
gravitational force. In particular, microgravity-related effects on the
cardiovascular and the vestibular system can considerably degrade well-being
and fitness during an early flight period. These effects include sensory conflicts
due to changes in the vestibular system that can lead to space motion sickness,
and a shift of body fluid into the upper part of the body that can be associated
with headache.
• Long-term physiological effects related to microgravity can be observed in the
musculo-skeletal system. These effects are directly dependent on the duration
of a space mission and are mainly reflected in a progressive atrophy of those
muscles needed to oppose gravity, as well as a loss of mass and strength of

weight-bearing bones due to a progressive process of de-mineralization.
• Most of the physiological functions that are acutely affected by microgravity
show a rapid adjustment to this new environmental condition during the first 3–
14 days in space. The effects of this adaptation involve a de-conditioning of
important physiological systems by Earth standards and an associated loss of
“orthostatic tolerance”. In order to reduce de-conditioning effects in space,
several countermeasures need to be applied. The most important
countermeasure is physical exercise performed on a regular basis.
• Sleep in space is shorter and more disturbed than sleep on Earth. Beyond that,
some alterations of sleep architecture have occasionally been reported that
might reflect an effect of microgravity on sleep mechanisms.
• Circadian rhythms remain entrained with a 24-h schedule in space, although the
natural time cues provided by sunlight and darkness are considerably altered.
The daily routine of work and rest is sufficient to avoid a “free run” of the
human circadian system. However, a phase delay and reduced amplitude of
temperature rhythms have been observed, which may contribute to sleep
disturbances and fatigue during space flight.
• Based on experiences from Russian space flight and data from analog
environments, psychological adaptation to long-duration space missions
describes the presence of a sequence of different stages. Empirical research
suggests the occurrence of at least two stages: a first stage of primary
adaptation that has occurred by the first 6 weeks in space, and a second stage
that represents the remaining time of a mission.
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Many activities in space require good eye-hand coordination. Cognitive abi-

lities need to be at a high level for the successful performance of such activities.
“Astronauts Ellen Ochoa (foreground) and Carl E. Walz, STS-110 mission
specialist and Expedition Four flight engineer, respectively, work the controls of the
Canadarm2 in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).”
(Photo and quoted description courtesy of NASA)
Chapter 3
Human Performance
3.1. Basic issues

This chapter addresses the effects of the extreme living and working conditions
during space flight on human performance. This is chosen to cover all aspects of
performance that are related to the different stages of information processing; i.e.,
perceptual processes, central cognitive processes, psychomotor processes, and
processes of attentional control [Wickens and Hollands, 2000]. The significance of
dealing with these issues is obvious. The work of astronauts usually includes a
variety of tasks like operating complex technical systems, conducting scientific
experiments, or performing specific tasks during extravehicular activities. All of
these tasks place high demands on different cognitive and psychomotor functions.
Thus, maintaining a high level of performance efficiency is of direct importance for
overall mission success and crew safety.
The general success of human space missions and the numerous examples of
spectacular tasks that have successfully been accomplished in space may be taken as
evidence for the high efficiency of human performance during space flight.
However, the mere fact that overt performance decrements in highly trained tasks
rarely have been reported does not mean that cognitive functions remain unimpaired
in space. In fact, since the early days of human space flight, a number of anecdotal
reports and observations have provided evidence for disturbances in cognitive
functioning on-orbit, including reports of spatial disorientation and visual illusions,
alteration of time sense, impairments of attention and concentration, disturbances of
motor skills, and a general slowing of task performance [Christensen and Talbot,
1986; Kubis et al., 1977; Leonov and Lebedev, 1975]. Similarly, anecdotal infor-
mation and research from analog environments have suggested that human perform-
ance may indeed decline under conditions similar to those of space flight [Harrison
and Connors, 1984; Weybrew, 1963].
Despite the obvious relevance of human performance for space operations, life
science space research long has remained limited to investigations of the biomedical
aspects of human adaptation to microgravity [Christensen and Talbot, 1986; Taylor,
1989]. Only since the early 1990s has knowledge about human performance during
space flight accumulated, even though the number of studies still is small [Casler
and Cook, 1999; Fowler et al., 2000b; Leone, 1998; Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a].
Two different lines of research can be distinguished in this area. The first addresses
the impact of microgravity on specific functions of human information processing.
Cognitive neuroscience research in this area includes experiments on topics such as
visual information processing, spatial perception, or the execution of voluntary
movements. Even though the objectives of this research are related to an
49
understanding of the role of microgravity as a frame of reference for human

information processing, the results also are important with respect to the general
aspect of human performance in space. The second line of research is represented
by a broad-band strategy of human performance assessment referred to as per-
formance monitoring [Manzey, 2000a, Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a]. This approach
involves repeated probing of different performance functions during a space mission
in order to describe the pattern and time course of performance changes that may
arise under the impact of stressors that are present in this unique environment. Its
main objective is related to a delineation of possible human factors problems of
space flight, and it corresponds to other efforts of stress research that focus on the
impact of environmental stressors on human performance [Hockey, 1986].
In the following, knowledge gained from these two lines of research will be
summarized. However, before dealing with empirical data from space flight, let us
begin with some theoretical considerations about the possible origins of cognitive
decrements in the environment found during human space missions.
3.2. Possible origins of cognitive performance decrements in space

At least two factors can be distinguished which may impair the cognitive and
psychomotor performance of astronauts. The first factor involves the direct effects
of microgravity on specific brain mechanisms, particularly the vestibular and
sensorimotor system. The second factor includes non-specific stress effects related
to, for example, cumulative sleep loss, workload, or the physical and emotional
burden of adapting to the extreme conditions of living and working in a space
habitat. In contrast to microgravity, these effects do not directly affect processing
functions, but they can entail indirect effects on human performance by altering the
level and pattern of (central) physiological activation [Hockey, 1986].
3.2.1. Effects of microgravity on specific brain mechanisms

During space missions, several neurophysiological changes have been observed that
might affect perceptual, cognitive and psychomotor processes [Newberg, 1994].
One particularly important effect is the alteration of signal processing within the
vestibular system. As has been described in Chapter 2, the lack of gravitational
force in space alters the function of the gravity-sensitive otolith organs. These
organs no longer provide information about the direction of a common vertical but
remain sensitive only to linear accelerations of the body. This leads to a disruption
of the usual congruence between vestibular signals and signals from other (e.g.,
visual, tactile, proprioceptive) receptors. The resulting sensory conflicts seem to be
the basic mechanism underlying a number of adverse effects, including space
motion sickness, and disturbances of eye movements and gaze stability. Gravi-
ceptive cues from the vestibular system also affect the processing of (visual) infor-
mation on a cortical level [Leone et al., 1995a]. As a consequence, alterations of
afferent signals from otoliths may have an impact on higher cognitive functions,
such as those involved in spatial orientation, spatial perception, or pattern and object
Human Performance 51
recognition [Glasauer and Mittelstaedt, 1998; Leone et al., 1995b, 1998; McIntyre
et al., 2001].
Another class of direct effects of microgravity on neurophysiological functions
regards processes of motor control (i.e., processes involved in programming and
executing voluntary movements). Planning and control of coordinated movements
involve a combination of both central motor programs responsible for generating the
efferent control signals to the peripheral system of muscles, as well as mechanisms
of control and adjustment of ongoing movements based on the processing of
afferent feedback [Cruse et al., 1990]. Central motor programs can be considered as
memory representations of the basic characteristics of different classes of move-
ments that are acquired by training [Summers, 1989]. Technically speaking, they are
conceived as prototypical force-time curves of certain movements (e.g., representa-
tions of the motor pattern defining a goal-directed movement with arm and hand to
reach and grasp a distant object). From these programs, muscle commands are
derived that then produce the intended movement. However, during movement
execution, afferent feedback signals need to be processed in order to monitor the
appropriateness of movements and to initiate on-line adjustments if necessary.
These afferent feedback signals usually include visual signals from observations of
the movement and proprioceptive signals from joints, muscles, and skin.
The effectiveness of both of these elements of motor control – central pro-
gramming of movements and processing of feedback signals during movement
execution – can become degraded under changed gravitational forces [Bock et al.,
1992, 1996]. For example, many central motor programs established on Earth have
incorporated gravity as an important factor [Pozzo et al., 1998]. Accordingly, these
programs represent force-time curves that have been adapted to the specific
mechanical constraints given by the gravitational force (e.g., upward movements of
a limb have to be performed against gravity whereas downward movements are
supported by gravity). Yet under microgravity, these mechanical constraints are
substantially altered. Consequently, if central motor programs acquired on Earth are
applied in space, they can lead to movements that are no longer appropriate without
correction. In addition, proprioception from joints, muscles and skin seems to be
altered and more variable in space. Support for this assumption is provided, for
example, by impairments of awareness of limb position under simulated micro-
gravity conditions [Bock, 1994]. This can considerably disturb the execution of
movements in space, given the fact that distortions of proprioceptive feedback
usually entail more adverse effects on movements than a complete elimination of
these feedback signals [Cruse et al., 1990].
Generally, the microgravity-induced changes in the sensory-motor system have
been described as inducing a state of sensory-motor discordance, which is
characterized by a disruption of the usual relationships among efferent and afferent
signals during the execution of movements [Bock, 1998]. This discordance degrades
the usual efficiency of motor planning and control and has to be compensated for by
complex adaptive mechanisms, including a re-weighting of afferent signals, an
adjustment of central motor programs, and/or more effortful cognitive or visual
control processes during movement execution. Even though these mechanisms are
usually very effective, it is likely that the performance of perceptual-motor tasks
(i.e., tasks involving the transformation of visual input into appropriate motor
responses) suffers in space, at least during primary adaptation to the conditions of
space flight, where a full adjustment to microgravity has not yet been achieved.
3.2.2. Effects of stress on mental performance

Another possible source of human performance decrement during space flight
relates to non-specific stress effects. The extreme working and living conditions in
space may induce certain stress states in astronauts that are not only associated with
impairments of individual well-being but also with degradations of cognitive and
psychomotor performance. Examples of such stress states include states of
decreased alertness and fatigue, states of high workload, and states of emotional
stress due to interpersonal tension or the long-term effects of confinement and
isolation. Since such states may arise in other work settings or environments as well
(i.e., they do not represent anything specific for space flight), any effects related to
these states are considered as “non-specific” in the current context.
Several theoretical models have been invoked to account for the effects of stress
on human performance. Most of these models assume a link between energetic and
cognitive processes; that is, a link between neurophysiological processes of central
activation (arousal) and the efficiency of human information processing functions.
One of the earliest and still most prominent ideas assumes an “inverted U”
relationship between arousal and performance, also referred to as the Yerkes-
Dodson Law [Yerkes and Dodson, 1908; Wickens and Hollands, 2000]. This "law"
includes two assumptions: (1) cognitive performance is best at a certain level of
arousal; i.e., considering arousal varying from low to high, performance first
increases as arousal reaches an optimum, and then it subsequently declines as
arousal further increases (this is what is termed the “inverted U” relationship); and
(2) the optimum level of arousal is lower for difficult than for easy tasks. Within
this framework, external or internal stressors are assumed to affect the efficiency of
any cognitive process by either lowering (e.g., stressors like monotony,
understimulation, sleep deprivation), or raising (e.g., time-pressure, noise, anxiety)
the arousal level into non-optimum regions. An example would be the performance
of a pilot that is expected to decline in both states of low arousal (e.g., fatigue) as
well as states of very high arousal (e.g., perceived danger to life in case of
emergencies).
Although this model has been very influential in modeling possible indirect
effects of stress on human performance, it is too simple, in part because arousal and
performance are conceptualized as unidimensional concepts. According to more
recent models of stress and human performance [Hockey, 1986; Sanders, 1983],
stressors do not cause any general effects on human performance by altering generic
unidimensional arousal. Rather, different stressors seem to produce somewhat
specific patterns of psychophysiological, biochemical, and cognitive change. This is
suggested by both multidimensional neurophysiological models of cortical
activation [Pribram and McGuinness, 1975] as well as results from laboratory
research that suggest that the effects of different stressors on cognitive performance
are not uniform but may be described by specific profiles of effects across different
indicators of performance [Hockey and Hamilton, 1983].
A thorough review of this latter research has been provided by Hockey [1986].
According to this review, human performance under stress usually suffers from
impairments of attentional and/or central cognitive processes. The specific pattern
of impairment can be described by considering five different indicator variables: (1)
general alertness, (2) attentional selectivity, (3) speed of cognitive processes, (4)
accuracy of cognitive processes, and (5) working memory capacity. Among these
different indicator variables, alertness does not strictly reflect a change in a specific
cognitive function but is an indicator of the overall effect of a stressor on the
attentional state, which can also be perceived subjectively. Considering the other
indicators, attentional selectivity is one of the most sensitive ones. It has been
defined as a reduced range of cues that can be attended to simultaneously, and it can
be reflected in a reduced capability to divide attention between different input
signals or to work on concurrent tasks at the same time.
Another issue that has to be taken into account in considering the possible
effects of stress on human performance pertains to the active coping processes of
individuals. That is, even though single performance functions may become
impaired under the impact of stressors, this may not necessarily lead to overt
performance decrements in complex tasks. Instead, the individual can take actions
to compensate for these stress effects and protect overall performance. One way to
achieve this involves mobilizing some extra effort (i.e., trying harder to achieve task
goals). For example, astronauts under time stress might try to perform a given
operational or scientific task more rapidly than usual. Alternatively, subjects under
stress might choose to apply less effortful performance strategies in order to
compensate for impairments of attentional and cognitive functions. An example
would be a pilot focusing on the flying task but neglecting the monitoring of
technical systems in states of stress, or an astronaut relying more than usual on
written standard procedures in order to lower the memory demands of a task.
However, even though these strategies might be adaptive to protect performance in
the main task, they also contain some risks. For example, the astronaut working
more rapidly on a task may be less careful in controlling different actions or may
feel more exhausted and fatigued after task completion. Additionally, the pilot
neglecting monitoring tasks may miss some important malfunction, which later
might add to the stress already present. In cases such as these, stress effects may not
lead to overt performance decrements but nevertheless may affect performance in a
more subtle and concealed way.
This is the essence of the compensatory control model of stress and performance
proposed by Hockey [1993; 1997]. According to this theory, the effects of stress on
task performance are often masked because subjects apply some kind of
performance protection strategy. In particular, this can be expected in operational
work contexts, where commitment to task goals and motivation is high, and where
the tasks are sufficiently complex to provide options for adjusting performance
strategies [Hockey, 1993]. As a consequence, stress-related effects in such tasks are
often only reflected in latent performance decrements that are somewhat difficult to
detect. As has been illustrated by the examples above, such latent effects can
include impairments of performance in subsidiary components of a task, indications
of higher effort invested in task performance, indications of strategic shifts, or
fatigue after-effects [Hockey, 1997]. Impairments of performance in subsidiary

components of a task (see the example of the pilot above) correspond to the known
attentional selectivity effects in states of high arousal. Yet in the framework of the
compensatory control model, they are considered as a compensatory reaction to
reduce the attentional demands of a complex task. Fatigue after-effects are assumed
to result from the extra effort associated with performance protection under stress.
Even though individuals might be able to protect performance in a certain task
despite the presence of stressors, the costs of this protection are reflected in
increased fatigue or overt performance decrements in specific probe tasks at the end
of exposure to stressors.
To sum up, stress can be expected to affect human performance in different
ways. A summary of these effects is provided in Table 3.1. The extreme conditions
of space flight can induce certain stress states in astronauts that may be associated
with impairments of attentional and/or cognitive processes that are reflected in a
specific pattern of effects across different indicator variables (i.e., attentional
selectivity, speed and/or accuracy of cognitive processes, capacity of working
memory). Although these impairments can reduce the cognitive efficiency of
astronauts and may represent a principal risk for mission success, they do not need
to directly cause performance decrements in highly trained operational mission
tasks. Instead, it is likely that astronauts are able to protect performance in these
tasks from possible impairment, at least for some time, by compensatory control
Table 3.1. Possible Types of Performance Decrements under Stress. Partially adopted
from Hockey [1993, 1997].
Type of Decrement Characteristics
Overt performance decrements in Impairments of primary task performance

primary tasks (to be best observed in Attentional selectivity
specific probe tasks) Impaired speed and/or accuracy
Decreased working memory capacity
Latent performance decrements in

complex (real work) tasks:
Subsidiary task failure Selective impairment of (currently) low priority task

components
Neglect of subsidiary activities
Compensatory costs Strain of active control during performance

Increased mental effort
Increased sympathetic activation
Negative affect
Strategic adjustment Within-task shift to simpler strategies

Less use of working memory
Fatigue after-effects Post-task preference for low-effort strategies

Subjective fatigue
Performance decrements in probe tasks
strategies. In this case, overall mission task performance does not represent a valid
indicator of the current performance capability of an astronaut. As a consequence,
early signs of stress-induced performance decrements may be found in specific
probe tasks that are particularly sensitive to stress effects [Bittner et al., 1986]. They
also may be reflected in more subtle (latent) performance changes in mission
activities (including raised psychophysiological costs of performance) that can only
be detected by sophisticated analyses of task performance.
3.3. Empirical findings from space: cognitive

neuroscience research
What do we know about the effects of microgravity on human information processing?
Some answers to this question are provided by neuroscientists who have investi-
gated the impact of vestibular and sensory-motor changes in weightlessness on dif-
ferent cognitive functions in space. Microgravity-induced impairments of cognitive
functions would be expected to affect the performance efficiency of astronauts
during early adaptation to the space environment until sufficient physiological
adaptation has been achieved.
However, the current knowledge in this field is somewhat limited. This is mainly
due to the fact that neuroscience space research long has focused on fundamental
issues related to the most important interactions between the vestibular organ and
other systems (i.e., those involved in coordination of head-eye movements, and pos-
tural control), and the development of space motion sickness [Reschke, et al.,
1994a,b]. Whereas this research has included investigations of spatial orientation
and perceptual illusions, other issues of cognitive functioning in weightlessness
have rarely been examined. However, during the last decade neuroscientific inves-
tigations of cognitive processes during space flight have received more attention
[Leone, 1998]. Experiments conducted in space have addressed a number of issues
related to spatial information processing, recognition of forms and objects, mass
discrimination, and visuo-motor processes involved with voluntary movements.
Most of this research has been aimed at raising the understanding of the significance
of gravity as a frame of reference for cognitive processes. Yet knowing the impact
of microgravity and its possible consequences for overt performance is relevant for
a number of human factors issues, including ergonomic design of working tools and
operational systems, different aspects of habitability, and scheduling of work speci-
fically during the first days or weeks in space [Young, 2000]. In the following, the
most relevant findings from neuroscience space research on human information pro-
cessing are reviewed. This review is structured according to five different areas:
(1) spatial orientation, (2) spatial perception and representation, (3) Mental rotation
and object recognition, (4) mass discrimination, and (5) aimed voluntary movements.
3.3.1. Spatial orientation

Spatial orientation refers to the capability of orientating oneself within a three-
dimensional environment, which is relevant for navigational tasks within a large space
station. One important aspect of this capability concerns the accurate perception of the
spatial relationship between one’s own body and the external space. This requires
that a frame of reference be available that provides a stable coordinate system for
defining one’s own position, orientation and motion. On Earth, spatial orientation is
usually achieved by taking gravity as such a frame of reference. The orientation of
the gravitational force provides a reliable cue for determining the subjective
perception of verticality and any deviation of body orientation from an upright
position. In addition, visual cues from the environment (e.g., orientation of houses,
trees, other people) are highly significant for the perception of spatial orientation. In
fact, the influence of visual information can be so strong that it partially or even
completely overrides the signals provided from otolith organs and other proprio-
ceptive receptor systems [Howard et al., 2000]. In this case, distortions of spatial
orientation may occur. Examples from Earth include well-known illusions of
orientation or self-motion. Some spectacular kinds of such illusions are feelings of
falling or other displacements through space induced in cinerama movies or
illusions of orientation induced by completely furnished rooms that are tilted around
a stationary subject [Howard et al., 2000]. Other examples are known from
everyday experience (e.g., sitting in a stationary train but getting the feeling of self-
motion by viewing a slowly accelerating train on an adjacent track). In both cases,
visual cues are in conflict with vestibular and somatosensory ones, and it requires
extra effort to maintain correct spatial orientation under these circumstances.
However, if visual information is lacking (e.g., with eyes closed or in complete
darkness), the afferent information from the vestibular system and the other receptor
systems are usually sufficient to maintain a more or less accurate picture of one’s
own orientation and movement.
In space, where gravity as a frame of reference is lost, the influence of visual
impressions is reinforced, and spatial orientation becomes significantly disturbed. In
a survey of 104 Russian cosmonauts [Kornilova, 1997; Kornilova et al., 1995], 98%
reported states of partial or complete disorientation and the occurrence of spatial
illusions, particularly in darkness or with eyes closed. Lacking a clear visual
reference, astronauts may not be able to correctly identify their own position,
orientation, or motion with respect to the spacecraft. Direct empirical evidence for
such an effect has been provided in an experiment by Glasauer and Mittelstaedt
[1998]. In this experiment, blindfolded astronauts were passively turned around and
were not able to identify accurately their position during or after the turn. The effect
is further supported by results suggesting that astronauts have considerably more
difficulty in space than on Earth in maintaining an accurate spatial map of their
surroundings without vision [Watt, 1997; Young et al., 1993].
Even with eyes open, several disturbances of spatial orientation may occur,
mainly related to three types of spatial illusions [Kornilova, 1997]. The first
includes the perception of surrounding movements associated with movements of
the head. For example, moving the head while looking at a control panel may induce
the perception of a displacement of instruments. These effects are related to the
disturbances of vestibulo-ocular reflexes and gaze-control after entering weight-
lessness. A second type of illusion consists of erroneous perceptions of self-motion
comparable to those known on Earth in situations when visual impressions override
the input of the vestibular system. These can include a variety of different illusions
of tumbling, falling, or rotating. Such illusions seem to be related to the increased

influence of vision on spatial orientation in space, given the lack of any
gravitational information that could be used to correct visual impressions. This is
suggested by the results of “rotating dome” experiments, where astronauts are
exposed to a visual dot pattern slowly moving around them. The intensity of
sensations of self-rotation produced by this stimulus has been found to be
considerably increased in space compared to Earth [Young and Shelhamer, 1990].
Finally, a third kind of illusion includes distortions of body orientation. One
particularly interesting example is the feeling of hanging upside down, which often
occurs in astronauts with eyes either closed or open, and which seems to be closely
related to the development of space motion sickness. This illusion is called the
“inversion illusion” and is among the most often reported illusions in states of
weightlessness [Kornilova, 1997; Kornilova et al., 1995; Lackner and DiZio, 1993].
Most of the described difficulties of spatial orientation occur immediately after
entering the microgravity environment and only persist for minutes or hours. But
some can persist for up to 14–30 days before sufficient adaptive coping strategies
have been developed and/or physiological adjustment has been achieved. In
addition, many spatial illusions have been observed to reappear after some time
(30–50 days) during a space mission, suggesting some de-stability of adaptive
processes [Kornilova, 1997].
Surprisingly, the lack of gravitational cues in space does not necessarily lead to
a complete loss of subjectively perceived verticality. Although some astronauts
loose any sense of up and down in darkness or with eyes closed, a considerable
number of astronauts maintain a subjective perception of verticality, even in states
where external references from visual or tactile cues are blocked. Rather than
feeling indifferent with respect to the vertical when eyes are closed, these astronauts
report a definite feeling of being upright or of being inverted [Glasauer and
Mittelstaedt, 1998; Mittelstaedt and Glasauer, 1993]. Only after some days in space
do illusions of inversion disappear. Most of these astronauts perceive “up” and
“down” with respect to a stable egocentric body-reference (i.e., they always
perceive “up” where their head is – this egocentric reference can even override visual
cues provided by the spacecraft interior) This is suggested by experimental results
from Glasauer and Mittelstaedt [1998] showing that astronauts who are tilted 180°
off the vertical polarity of the spacecraft with eyes open (i.e., they become inverted
relative to the spacecraft interior) still tend to perceive “up” where their head is.
After 30 days in space, some indications were found that the astronauts became
more independent of the egocentric reference and were better able to accurately
perceive their orientation with respect to the spacecraft, even after passive turns
with eyes closed.
However, at least during the first few days of a space flight, astronauts try to
avoid any disturbances of spatial orientation that arise from possible sensory
conflicts between their egocentric reference and the visual surround. Systematic
behavioral observations of astronaut motor behavior during short-duration space
flight suggest that they prefer to align their own posture with the vertical polarity of
the spacecraft [Tafforin and Lambin, 1993].
3.3.2. Spatial perception and representation

Other aspects of spatial information processing that have been investigated during
space flight include the impact of microgravity on the perception of spatial
relationships between two external objects, the mental representation of three-
dimensional figures, and the proneness to geometric visual illusions. All of these
aspects are highly relevant, not only for neuroscientists but also for an
understanding of the basic cognitive processes needed for efficient work in space.
For example, a consistent assignment of spatial coordinates (e.g. “up”, “down”,
“left”, “right”, “below”, “above”) to a perceived object is essential for communi-
cating about it with others. For this kind of assignment, a common cognitive
representation of space is needed based on a certain frame of reference. On Earth,
several perceptual cues are available which might be used as such a reference. These
include external cues provided by the coordinates of the visual background, the
intrinsic coordinates of the perceived object or form, and the gravitational
coordinates provided by vestibular and somatosensory receptors. In addition, ego-
centric cues might be used like the coordinates of the retina (i.e., coordinates of the
visual field) or one’s own body orientation. Usually very few conflicts arise
between all of these different perceptual cues, and in normal (upright) position all of
them are perfectly aligned.
But what happens in space when the gravitational cues get lost? This was
investigated in an early study by Friederici and Levelt [1987, 1990]. In this
experiment, the astronauts were presented visual stimuli consisting of two balls (one
black, one white) in different orientations along with line drawings of an
intrinsically oriented object (tree) on both sides providing visual background cues.
The task was to describe the spatial relations between the balls (e.g., “black ball left
above the white ball”) under varying conditions of retinal orientation, orientation of
background cues, and gravitational force. The results revealed that a consistent
assignment of spatial coordinates still was possible in weightlessness. However, the
dominant frame of reference used for this purpose was altered. On Earth, spatial
assignments reported by the subjects largely were based on the gravitational verti-
cal. In space, however, an egocentric frame of reference was chosen; that is, spatial
assignments predominantly were determined by retinal coordinates and were only
slightly affected by background cues. This corresponds nicely to the findings of
subjectively perceived verticality in space described above. What remains to be
investigated is how long the observed effect persists in space. Because the study
involved astronauts during a relatively short space mission (eight days), nothing is
known yet about possible effects of adaptation. Given the evidence discussed above
(Section 3.3.1) that feelings of subjective verticality seem to diminish after about
one month in space, it might be speculated that the same holds true for the
significance of an egocentric frame of reference for spatial assignments. Clearly,
more research is needed in this area.
The foregoing results suggest the importance of a retinal frame of reference for
the perception of spatial relationships if gravitational cues are lost. A similar effect
is reflected in a decreased proneness to well-known geometric visual illusions; e.g.,
the reversed T, the Müller-Lyer, or the Ponzo illusion. This has been shown from
research during parabolic flights [Villard et al., 2005]. The basis of these illusions
are ambiguous visual arrangements consisting of vertical and horizontal lines that
include misleading depth cues for a spatial (i.e. three-dimensional) interpretation of
the arrangements. This in turn leads to false judgements about the relative size of
the different lines. Under microgravity, the proneness to these illusions is
significantly reduced for most people, and some individuals are able to perceive
these figures as what they really are: two-dimensional drawings. Villard et al.
[2005] take this as an indication of the significance of gravitation for the perception
and interpretation of visual stimuli from the environment. In particular, they assume
that gravitational and somatosensory cues usually represent an integral element of
visual information processing, which supports a spatial (i.e. three-dimensional)
interpretation of visual stimuli. The lack of graviceptive input in space seems to
remove this tendency, at least to a certain extent.
3.3.3. Mental rotation and object recognition

Of specific importance for performance in space is the capability of recognizing
objects seen in other orientations than normal (“upright”). Since free-floating
astronauts are able to view the external world from any position they want, they
often perceive the objects of their surroundings (including their own crewmates) in
non-customary orientations. However, the orientation of forms or objects may affect
recognition [Rock, 1986]. This particularly is the case if objects are perceived in
extreme disorientation (e.g., inverted), which might easily happen in space. In
classical studies on Earth, subjects were required to discriminate whether a rotated
letter was presented in normal or mirror-reversed versions, and discrimination time
was found to increase with the deviation of the letter from its normal upright
position. In order to account for this effect, it has been suggested that spatial
patterns like letters (but also other forms and objects) are first cognitively
represented in a format corresponding to their normal orientation, and that the letter
had to be “mentally rotated” to this position before a discrimination could be made
[Cooper and Shepard, 1973]. Furthermore, there are examples where familiar
objects perceived in non-customary orientations can hardly be recognized at all.
One particularly interesting example concerns the perception of faces and the
interpretation of facial expressions. Whereas it is possible to verify that a face is still
a face if shown in inverted orientation, it is very difficult to identify it, even if it is a
familiar one, and it is even more difficult to recognize any cues of facial expression,
which would become immediately evident if the same face would be perceived in an
upright position [Valentine, 1988].
It has been argued that processes of mental rotation involved in the perception of
disoriented forms and objects might be facilitated in space due to the lack of
gravitational cues or the larger opportunities of free-floating astronauts to
accommodate to unusual visual angles [Clement et al., 1987]. However, this was
based on evidence from anecdotal reports and could not be verified in recent space
experiments conducted during long-duration space missions of up to seven months
[Leone et al., 1995a,b]. Instead, the results of these studies suggested that mental
rotation processes needed to compare two objects shown in different orientations
were essentially the same in space as on Earth. Even more interesting, the “face
inversion” effect remains in space. This was demonstrated by an experiment of de
Schonen et al. [1998]. In this experiment, astronauts learned photographed faces and
had to recognize them afterwards when they were shown together with new ones.
The results suggested that astronauts had considerably more difficulty recognizing
previously learned faces if shown in inverted position, and this effect turned out to
be independent of whether the faces were learned on the ground or during the first
few days in microgravity.
This effect and the results from the mental rotation experiments give us a better
understanding of the cognitive representation of complex forms and objects. The
mental representation of such objects remains orientation-dependent (i.e., they are
mentally represented in an upright position) even in the absence of gravity, which is
of theoretical relevance for the field of visual cognition [Leone, 1998]. However,
the finding of a persistent “face inversion” effect in space also has some
psychological significance for the face-to-face communication between astronauts.
In particular, it suggests that astronauts should assume the same orientation during
face-to-face communication in order to avoid the disturbances and misunderstand-
ings that arise from difficulties in correctly perceiving and interpreting facial
expressions (which provide important non-verbal cues for interpersonal
communication) [Cohen, 2000]. Interestingly, the same idea is suggested by the
finding of egocentric frames of reference for perceiving verticality and making
spatial assignments. Only astronauts who communicate with each other in the same
body orientation will use the same frame of reference in talking about spatial
relationships between objects in their surroundings.
3.3.4. Mass discrimination

A unique characteristic of the weightlessness space environment is the decoupling
of weight and mass of objects. On Earth, the weight of objects can be sensed
directly by analyzing proprioceptive information that is provided by pressure-
receptors in the skin. Weight and mass together can be sensed by analyzing
proprioceptive signals from skin, joints, and muscles when objects become
accelerated by an active movement. Furthermore, the weight of an object provides a
perfectly reliable cue for its mass. In space, weight information is no longer
available and only the mass of objects can be sensed, requiring active accelerating
movements.
Does this affect the sensitivity of mass discrimination? This question has been
addressed by two psychophysical experiments during short-duration space flights
[Ross et al., 1986, 1987]. In these experiments, astronauts were required to pairwise
compare the mass of small balls by shaking them. The results of both of these
experiments suggested that mass discrimination was impaired in space. More
specifically, discrimination thresholds were raised by factors of 1.2 to 1.9 compared
with those on Earth, depending on the amplitude and frequency of the shaking
movements. However, it is not clear whether this was due to the loss of weight
information or to disturbances of motor control and proprioception during shaking.
In the latter case, it might be expected that impairments of mass discrimination
diminish in the course of adaptation of the sensorimotor system to microgravity
during prolonged space missions.
3.3.5. Aimed voluntary movements

As was described above, microgravity exerts several effects on the human
sensorimotor system that may interfere with processes of motor programming and
the execution of movements (see Section 3.2.1). If these effects are not fully
compensated for by the human sensorimotor system, they can affect the precision
and speed of voluntary movements, and eventually this becomes a limiting factor of
astronaut performance in space, at least during the early flight phase. Indeed, some
observations from the Skylab missions suggest that performance during the first few
days in space can suffer from a slowing of movements as compared to performance
on Earth [Kubis et al., 1977]
The preferred neuroscience paradigm which has been used to analyze the
possible effects of microgravity on the speed and accuracy of voluntary movements
is the analysis of aimed arm movements. In this paradigm, subjects are required to
point to targets briefly presented at different positions in the frontal plane.
Experimental conditions usually vary with respect to the direction of movements
(vertical, horizontal) and to whether or not visual feedback is provided during
movements. Several studies of this kind have addressed the accuracy of such
pointing movements. Most of the early studies were conducted in aircraft during
parabolic flights, where short-term (about 15–20 sec) periods of weightlessness
alternated with states of hypergravity (2 g) [Bock et al., 1992; Gerathewohl et al.,
1957; Ross, 1991; Whiteside, 1961]. The results from these studies suggested that
the precision and reliability of aimed arm movements declined under the impact of
microgravity. Yet the specific pattern of impairments differed. Whereas in some
studies an overshooting of targets was found (which would be expected if the
altered mechanical force induced by a lack of gravity was not compensated for
during movement execution [Bock et al., 1992; Geratewohl et al., 1957; Ross,
1991]), at least one study reported a consistent undershooting of targets [Whiteside,
1961]. This latter finding did not seem to be related to weightless effects on motor
programming or control but was explained by a visual effect referred to as the
“elevator illusion” (i.e., a visual mislocalization of targets as too high due to the
effects of the altered gravitational forces on eye muscles).
However, to some extent the effects of parabolic flight seem to be related to the
relatively short exposures to microgravity and the alteration with states of
hypergravity, which make any adaptation difficult. In fact, only few impairments of
accuracy have been reported from space flight, where pointing movements usually
are investigated after several hours or even days in space. For example, Bock,
Fowler and Comfort [2001] investigated pointing movements to stationary targets
during a 16-day space mission. Targets were presented at a distance of 6 cm left,
right, above, or below the center of a laptop computer screen. Comparisons of pre-
flight, in-flight and post-flight performance did not reveal any significant decline of
pointing accuracy, even though a slight increase in the variability of movement
amplitude was found. In another study, horizontal pointing movements to the left
and right of the center of the subject’s visual field were analyzed during short-
duration and long-duration space missions [Berger et al., 1997]. Corresponding to
the results from Bock et al. [2001], accuracy of these movements remained largely
unimpaired in space as compared to Earth, and this effect appeared to be

independent of mission length.
Some deviating results were reported from studies where astronauts had to
memorize the position of five targets and point to them in defined order with eyes
closed. Under this condition, a consistent undershooting of target positions was
found [Watt, 1997; Young et al., 1993]. However, this does not appear to reflect any
disturbances of motor control or proprioception but to arise from difficulties in
maintaining an external spatial map if vision to the targets is blocked.
In summary, investigations of accuracy of pointing movements during parabolic
flights and in space have revealed a somewhat inconsistent pattern of effects that is
difficult to explain. Although several different factors have been identified which in
principle may contribute to a loss of precision of aimed voluntary movements in
microgravity [Bock et al., 1992], it is hard to predict whether or not these factors
will really lead to overt performance decrements and what the specific
characteristics of these decrements will be.
More consistent results have been obtained from space flight studies where
speed and kinematic characteristics of pointing movements have been analyzed.
Results from these studies suggest that aimed arm movements, independent of their
accuracy, are executed significantly slower in space [Berger et al., 1997; Bock et al.,
2001]. Interestingly, this effect does not appear to be limited to this kind of
movement but also can be observed in fine manual control movements [Newman
and Lathan, 1999; Sangals et al., 1999]. For example, Sangals et al. [1999] analyzed
the accuracy and kinematic pattern of movement in a discrete cursor positioning
task during a short-duration space flight. In this task, the astronaut was required to
align a screen cursor with a target position of varying distance by means of discrete
left-right joystick movements. With respect to accuracy, no differences were found
between pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight sessions. However, movement times
increased in space, and analyses of the kinematic characteristics revealed significant
alterations of the spatio-temporal pattern of movements. More specifically, a signi-
ficant reduction in acceleration and velocity was found in the first part of the move-
ment. This was compensated for in later parts by a prolonged deceleration phase in
order to avoid an undershooting of targets and to maintain a sufficient level of accu-
racy. Somewhat surprisingly, these effects did not show a clear indication of adapta-
tion in the course of the mission and were seen to the end of the 20-day space flight.
Several different factors have been invoked to account for the observed slowing
of voluntary movements in space. One factor relates to an assumed higher
dependency of movements on visual control, given that other feedback channels
usually involved in motor control are likely to be disturbed in microgravity.
However, effects of slowing also emerged in conditions with eyes closed [Bock
et al., 2001] or when visual control of movements was blocked [Sangals et al., 1999],
which casts some doubts on this explanation. Alternatively, it has been suggested
that executing voluntary movements with the same speed and precision as on Earth
requires a raised cognitive or attentional effort in microgravity. In order to reduce
this extra effort, astronauts might choose to slow down movements; i.e., the effects
observed would reflect some kind of speed-accuracy trade-off under the rigors of
space flight [Bock et al., 2001]. This explanation has some plausibility given
additional findings from tracking tasks where speed must be maintained, and
accuracy often has been found to be impaired during space flight or parabolic flight
[Bock et al., 2001, 2003; Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a]. Yet this explanation appears
to be too general to account for the specific alterations of kinematics found in the
study by Sangals et al. [1999].
More likely, these latter effects can be explained by what has been referred to as
the “re-interpretation hypothesis” [Bock et al., 1996]. According to this hypothesis,
gravity-related changes in the weight of objects (including one’s own extremities)
can easily be misinterpreted by the human motor system as changes of mass instead
of changes of gravitational force. This seems to be obvious given the “natural” rela-
tionship between weight and mass on Earth, where the weight of an object (resulting
from gravity) usually provides a direct and reliable clue to its mass. In the
“weightless” environment in space, this direct relationship does not apply. As a
consequence, the motor control system might erroneously underestimate the mass of
extremities to be moved, which then results in specifying incorrect force-time
characteristics for movements of arm, hand, or fingers which need to be corrected
during movement execution [Sangals et al., 1999]. Depending on how fast such a
correction can be performed, movement times may be prolonged to varying degrees.
To sum up, there are some consistent findings that aimed voluntary movements
slow down in space, at least if there is no task-inherent force to maintain a certain
work pace. This effect seems to emerge for a variety of different movements,
ranging from movements of the whole arm to delicate movements of hand and
fingers, and it is in line with earlier observations of a slowing of working speed in
space that also has been attributed to disturbances of movements [Kubis et al.,
1977]. The specific sources of this slowing still are under investigation. Neverthe-
less, the currently available data from space flight suggest that this effect is related
to microgravity-induced changes in the sensorimotor system, which impairs the
efficiency of motor programs acquired on Earth, and which have to be compensated
for by enhanced control processes during movement execution in space.
3.4. Empirical findings from space: human

performance monitoring
The results of experiments reviewed so far have specifically addressed the effects of
one particular stressor, microgravity, on different cognitive and psychomotor
functions. Although the described effects can impair the performance efficiency of
astronauts during the first days in microgravity, most of these effects are rather
specific and do not provide a comprehensive description of performance and
operational capability in space. In particular, they do not take into account possible
impairments related to non-specific stress effects induced by other space-relevant
stressors (e.g., workload, sleep disturbances, emotional tension).
A second line of research on human performance during space flight consists of
performance monitoring studies [Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a; Manzey, 2000a].
These studies expand the scope of view in two respects. First, the main objective of
performance monitoring studies is to describe performance changes that occur
during the course of a space mission, independent of the specific stressors that cause
these effects. Thus, the variety of information processing functions that are assessed
are increased and include not only functions that might be expected to suffer from
microgravity but also those that have been found to react to environmental stressors
in general (e.g., attention, memory, reaction time). In typical studies of this kind,
performance assessment is done by using short-term laboratory tasks that are based
on sound theoretical models and have been shown by ground-based research to
probe some defined processing functions. Second, the time course of effects is
considered in more detail. That is, performance assessments usually are conducted
repeatedly throughout a space flight in order to describe possible variations in
performance efficiency, which are dependent on time.
Below, results from performance monitoring studies during short-duration and
long-duration space missions will be described in some detail. Particular emphasis
will be placed on the results of a research program that included three studies during
different space missions to the former Russian space station Mir, including the only
available quantitative study of astronaut performance during an extraordinary long-
duration space mission [Manzey, 2000a,b]. A list of all the different performance
functions probed and tasks used in space flight performance monitoring studies
conducted during the last 15 years is provided in Table 3.2.
3.4.1. Results of performance monitoring during short-duration space flight

Most of the performance monitoring studies conducted in space have monitored the
performance of astronauts during short-term spaceflights lasting up to two weeks.
With respect to the kind of performance functions probed they might be classified
into two groups.
One set of studies primarily has focussed on some basic cognitive performance
functions like, e.g. visual search, memory and response choice [Benke et al., 1993;
Kelly et al., 2005; Ratino et al., 1988]. The very first study of this kind was
conducted by Ratino et al. [1988]. They monitored the performance of four
astronauts at flight days 2, 3, and 4 of a 6-day Shuttle flight. The test battery of this
study included a simple reaction time task, a choice reaction time task, and a time
estimation task. The two reaction time tasks were chosen as general indicators of
speed and accuracy of cognitive performance. The time estimation task was chosen
as a result of anecdotal reports from astronauts that suggested an altered time sense
in space. The latter was assumed to contain “elements of excessive mental work-
load, information overload, and cognitive processing involving inferences, judg-
ment, and decision-making” [Christensen and Talbot, 1986, p. 204]. However, only
subtle performance effects were observed in this study. Choice reaction time was
found to be impaired in three astronauts during the second and/or third day in space
and was associated with reported symptoms of mild space motion sickness.
Performance in the time estimation task showed a tendency to decline as the mission
proceeded, with most striking impairments during the fourth day in space and
immediately after reentry and landing. In particular, an overestimation of brief time
intervals (2 sec) was found in all astronauts, which suggests that the perception of
the passage of time had slowed down. The time course of this effect indicated that it
might be related to non-specific stress effects, probably resulting from cumulative
workload at the end of the space mission and the burden of reentry. Yet the effect
was small, and the comparison to pre-flight performance became statistically
significant only for the first assessment back on Earth immediately after landing.
Only minor changes in cognitive processing also were reported from a second
performance monitoring study involving one cosmonaut during a 6-day Mir flight
[Benke et al., 1993]. In this study, a test battery was used consisting of two kinds of
tasks: The first one including “classical” cognitive tasks (simple reaction time,
choice reaction time, Stroop-like interference task) and the second one including
several visuospatial tasks (e.g. spatial perception, spatial memory). Whereas the
former were used in order to assess non-specific stress effects on speed and accu-
racy of fundamental cognitive functions, the latter set was used to monitor specific
effects of microgravity on spatial processing functions. However, none of these
tasks revealed any significant performance decrements during the flight compared to
the pre-flight baselines.
Table 3.2. Summary of Performance Functions Probed and Tasks Used for Performance
Assessment in Performance Monitoring Studies during Space Flight.
Performance usually has been assessed by speed and/or accuracy measures.
Performance Description Study

Function/Task
Reaction Time (RT)

Simple RT Manual response to stimulus (one Benke et al., 1993; Ratino
stimulus-response alternative) et al., 1988;
Choice RT Manual response to stimulus Benke et al., 1993; Ratino
(2–9 different stimulus-response et al., 1988;
alternatives)
Spatial Processing
Matrix Rotation Comparison of spatial patterns Eddy et al., 1998; Schiflett
et al., 1995
Line Task Comparison of direction of different Benke et al., 1993
lines
Spatial Memory Task Memorizing of spatial patterns Benke et al., 1993
Manikin Task Evaluation of orientation of small Eddy et al., 1998 ; Schiflett
“Manikin” figures et al., 1995
Working Memory
Memory-Search Task Comparison of probe letters with a Eddy et al., 1998; Kelly et al.,
set of previously memorized letters 2005; Manzey et al.,1993, 1995,
(memory load varied by size of the 1998; Newman and Lathan,
memory set: 1–6 letters) 1999 ; Schiflett et al., 1995
Continuous Recognition Continuous memorizing and Eddy et al., 1998; Schiflett
Task retrieval of letters et al., 1995
Reasoning
Grammatical Reasoning Verification of truth values of Manzey et al., 1993, 1995,
sentences 1998
Mathematical Processing Adding/subtracting of three Eddy et al., 1998; Schiflett
single-digit numbers et al., 1995
(Continued)
Table 3.2. (Continued)
Performance Description Study

Function/Task
Attention
Attention Switching Performance of two randomly Eddy et al., 1998 ; Schiflett
alternating tasks (Mathematical et al., 1995
Processing and Manikin)
Dual-Task Simultaneous performance of two Manzey et al., 1993, 1995,
tasks (memory search and unstable 1998; Eddy et al., 1998;
tracking) Schiflett et al., 1995
Psychomotor Performance
Unstable Tracking Compensation of deviations of a Eddy et al., 1998; Manzey
randomly moving cursor from target et al., 1993, 1995, 1998,
position by means of joystick 2000; Schiflett et al., 1995
movements
Fittsberg Task Positioning of a cursor on targets of Newman and Lathan, 1999
varying distance and size by means
of input device (e.g., joystick,
trackball)
Others
Interference Task Response to congruent and Benke et al., 1993
incongruent stimulus configurations
(cognitive processes of response
inhibition and selection)
Time Estimation Task Estimation of time intervals of Kelly et al., 2005; Ratino
2s–16s (internal time processing) et al., 1988
Acquisition of response Learning of specified 10-response Kelly et al., 2005
sequences sequences (e.g. 3-7-7-1-9-1-3-9-3)
on a keypad across repeated trials
(memory for response sequences)
Digit-Symbol Complex stimulus-response Kelly et al., 2005
Substitution mapping (combination of visual
search, visual encoding, and
memory)
In line with this general pattern of results are the results of the recent study that was
conducted with four astronauts during a 10-day Shuttle mission [Kelly et al., 2005]. In
this study, four different performance tasks were used, including a time-estimation
task, a Sternberg memory task with memory load differing between one and six digits,
a digit symbol substitution tasks probing a combination of visual search, memory and
response functions, and a response acquisition task. The latter represented an
interesting expansion of tasks as compared to earlier studies by involving aspects of
sequence learning. But even this study did not reveal any clear performance effects
during spaceflight. There were only a few indications of performance decrements
found, which suggested that memory load might affect performance to a larger extent
in space than on Earth. But these effects were small and not easy to explain.
All in all, the results of these three studies suggest that the extreme conditions of
spaceflight do not lead to obvious performance decrements in basic cognitive
functions. However, one main limitation of this set of studies can be seen in the
selection of tasks used for performance monitoring. Although all of these tasks were
well-chosen with respect to their psychometric properties and validity, they did not
probe some of the functions that may be most sensitive to direct and indirect effects
of spaceflight-related stressors, such as divided attention and complex psychomotor
functions (see Section 3.2.2).
These latter functions were included in a second set of performance monitoring
studies [Eddy et al., 1998; Manzey et al., 1993, 1995; Newman & Latham, 1999;
Schiflett et al., 1995]. Manzey et al. monitored the performance of one cosmonaut
during an 8-day mission to the Mir station. All tasks used for performance assessment
were chosen from the Standardized Tests for Research with Environmental Stressors
(STRES) [AGARD, 1989]. Specifically, the following tasks were used (see Manzey
et al., 1993, 1995 for a detailed description of these tasks): (1) Grammatical Reasoning,
(2) Memory Search (two different levels of memory load), (3) Unstable Tracking, and
(4) a dual-task involving concurrent performance of tracking and memory search. The
reasoning behind this task selection was to probe information processing functions,
which are known to react sensitively to adverse effects of environmental stressors or
which might become impaired by direct effects of microgravity on sensory-motor
processes. More specifically, the Grammatical Reasoning task and the Memory Search
task were used to monitor speed and accuracy of cognitive functions involving
working memory under varied memory load. The dual-task was chosen to capture
possible attentional selectivity effects, and the Unstable Tracking task was selected to
monitor perceptual-motor functions by a task cognitively more complex than those
usually analyzed in neuroscience research (e.g., aimed arm movements). A total of 13
performance assessments were conducted during the first seven days of the mission.
Results were compared to pre-flight and post-flight data that were obtained during the
week before launch and after landing, respectively. The main results of the study are
presented in Figures 3.1 and 3.2.
In accordance with the results of Ratino et al. [1988], Benke et al. [1993], and
Kelly et al. [2005], no impairments of speed and accuracy of basic cognitive
functions were found during the flight. With one exception (a significant slowing of
grammatical reasoning speed at mission day 4), neither grammatical reasoning nor
memory search performance declined significantly during the stay in space (Figure
3.1). Instead, significant improvements in performance were observed during some
single sessions in space and at several post-flight sessions. However, as expected
clear disturbances of tracking and dual-task performance emerged, which provided
evidence for the impact of space flight-related stressors on perceptual-motor and
attentional functions (Figure 3.2). Tracking performance decrements exhibited a
striking triphasic time course. Compared to the pre-flight baseline, tracking errors
significantly increased during the first three days in space, showed a brief
intermediate recovery to baseline performance, and increased again significantly in
the last three days of the space mission (Figure 3.2, upper graph). Dual-task
performance decrements apparently emerged independent of the difficulty of the
memory search task during the entire stay in space and were indicated by increased
single-to-dual performance decrements in tracking and/or memory search, compared
with pre-flight baseline performance. Figure 3.2 (lower graph) illustrates this effect
(a) Grammatical Reasoning

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Mission Day
Pre-Flight Soyuz MIR-Station Post-Flight
Figure 3.1. Performance effects during 8-day spaceflight. Mean response rates (lines) and
error rates (bars) as a function of experimental sessions for (a) grammatical
reasoning and (b) memory-search. Memory-search data are presented separately
for both levels of memory load: two-letter search (dark circles/bars) and four-letter
search (light circles/bars). The horizontal lines in the graphs correspond to the
upper and lower confidence limits defining average pre-flight performance as the
reference for pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni contrasts) with performance at
each subsequent session. Adapted from Manzey et al. [1993, 1995].
Unstable Tracking
10
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Mission Day
Pre-Flight Soyuz MIR-Station Post-Flight
Figure 3.2. Tracking Performance Effects during 8-day Space Flight. Upper graph: Single-
task tracking error as a function of experimental session. Lower graph: Contrast of
single-task tracking error and dual-task tracking error. Since dual-task tracking
performance was not affected by the difficulty of the memory search tasks, it has
been pooled across memory load conditions. The horizontal lines in the upper
graph correspond to the upper and lower confidence limits, defining average pre-
flight performance as the reference for paired comparisons (Bonferroni contrasts)
with performance at each subsequent session. The asterix’ in the lower graph
indicate significant increments of single-to-dual performance differences compared
to pre- and post-flight baseline. Adapted from Manzey et al. [1995].
for the tracking task. During both pre-flight and post-flight sessions, tracking
performance remained almost unaffected by concurrent memory search (i.e., only
slight performance differences emerged between the single-task and both dual-task
conditions). However, in space significant single-to-dual performance decrements
were observed that occurred independent of the induced memory load.
Although these results were obtained from a single astronaut, they seem to
represent replicable effects. This is suggested by very similar patterns of effects that
have been reported from two performance-monitoring studies conducted during
American Shuttle flights [Newman and Lathan, 1999; Schiflett et al., 1995].
Newman and Lathan [1999] probed the performance of four astronauts by means of
complex tasks combining memory search and a psychomotor task that required
subjects to superimpose a cursor with a defined target position as fast as possible
(“Fittsberg” task). Similar to the results above, they did not find any performance
decrements in the memory search task, but they found significant disturbances of
positioning movements in space that were reflected in a significant slowing of
movement times across different input devices (joystick, trackball). Schiflett et al.
[1995] assessed the performance of three astronauts during a 13-day space flight.
Three of the performance tasks used in this study were similar to those used by
Manzey et al. [1993, 1995] (i.e., memory search, unstable tracking, and dual-task).
The other probe tasks included another memory task (continuous recognition) and
an attention switching task, where two tasks, involving spatial orientation (“Manikin”)
and mental arithmetic (“mathematical processing”), had to be performed in randomly
alternating order. Comparisons of daily in-flight assessments with performance
predicted on the basis of pre-flight learning curves revealed significant degradations of
tracking, dual-task, and attention-switching performance in two of the three subjects.
Even more interesting, these performance decrements – similar to the results of
Manzey et al. [1993, 1995] – emerged most clearly at the beginning and the end of the
space mission, with the latter related to subjective reports of raised fatigue. In contrast,
all other tasks showed a somewhat inconsistent pattern of effect, with some
degradation in two subjects and considerable improvements in the third.
Altogether, these different studies from short-duration space flights provide a
fairly consistent pattern of effects. Whereas elementary cognitive functions like
memory, reasoning, sequence learning or spatial processing remained more or less
unimpaired in space, or even improved in some subjects [Benke et al., 1993; Kelly
et al., 2005; Manzey et al., 1993; Newman and Lathan, 1999; Schiflett et al., 1995],
performance decrements were consistently observed in psychomotor tasks and tasks
demanding higher attentional functions [Manzey et al., 1993, 1995; Newman and
Lathan, 1999; Schiflett et al., 1995]. In addition, simple and choice reaction times
seem to slow down only in periods of acute space motion sickness [Ratino et al.,
1988].
In contrast, Eddy, Schiflett, Schlegel, and Shehab [1998] failed to find impair-
ments of tracking and dual-task performance in four astronauts during a 18-day
space flight but reported some performance decrements in a mathematical pro-
cessing task. They also found a considerably reduced flexibility in attention switch-
ing in two of the subjects. However, in this study persistent learning effects and a
conservative statistical approach, which only allowed for an overall testing of
performance effects across all in-flight sessions, might have masked subtle
performance changes in single sessions. Learning effects were most pronounced in
one astronaut who showed a sudden improvement of tracking performance shortly
before launch and in space, which the authors attributed to the detection of a more
efficient tracking strategy [Eddy et al., 1998, p. 202]. However, a re-analysis of the
data by applying a more sophisticated single-case statistical approach [Shehab and
Schlegel, 2000] suggests that also in this study significant decrements of tracking
performance occurred in two of the four subjects during the first performance
assessment in flight [Shehab, personal communication].
3.4.2. Results of performance monitoring during long-duration space missions

Do effects similar to those observed during short-duration space flight also emerge
during long-duration missions? And if yes, how long do they persist? Do they
represent chronic phenomena, or do they diminish in the course of adaptation to the
conditions of space flight? These questions were addressed in the only performance
monitoring study that has been conducted so far during a long-duration space flight
[Manzey et al., 1998]. This study was performed during the 438-day mission of the
Russian cosmonaut V. Polyakov on board the Mir station, which set a new world
record for human duration in space. The results of this single-case study are
particularly interesting because they suggest that the impairments of individual
performance are closely related to adaptation to the extreme living and working
conditions in space over time. In addition, the results provide first insights into the
stability of human performance after complete adaptation to the space environment,
as well as possible performance-related effects of re-adaptation to Earth conditions
after an extraordinary long-term stay in a space habitat.
Performance was assessed by the same set of laboratory tasks from the AGARD-
STRES battery that has been described above. The study included a total of 41
experimental sessions: 4 pre-flight assessments, 29 in-flight assessments (8
assessments during the first month and 7 assessments each during the 2nd to 4th, 7th
to 9th, and 11th to 14th months in space), 6 post-flight assessments during the first
two weeks after return to Earth, and 2 follow-up assessments half a year after the
mission. In order to get a comprehensive picture of the cognitive and emotional state
in space, performance assessment was supplemented by subjective ratings of mood
and workload.
Clear impairments of grammatical reasoning and memory performance were
found in the last two experimental sessions prior to launch, compared to baseline
assessments three months and one month before. After entering the space
environment, performance in these tasks recovered rapidly to baseline levels and
remained more or less stable across all in-flight, post-flight, and follow-up
assessments. This is shown for speed and accuracy of grammatical reasoning in
Figure 3.3a, and a similar picture emerged also for the memory search task. A
different pattern of effects, however, was found for tracking performance (Figure
3.3b). Even though tracking performance also was significantly impaired at one of
the pre-flight sessions close to launch, more pronounced tracking performance
decrements were found during the first week in space. This effect turned out to
18 (a) Grammatical Reasoning 50

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Figure 3.3. Performance Effects during Long-term Space Flight. (a) Grammatical reasoning
performance (mean response and error rates) as a function of experimental session.
(b) Root mean squared tracking error (RMSE) as a function of experimental session.
(c) Factor scores of mood factor "Emotional Balance/Alertness" as a function of
experimental sessions. The horizontal lines in the graphs “a” and “b” correspond to
the upper and lower confidence limits defining average pre-flight performance at
mission days –87 and –34 as the reference for paired comparisons (Bonferroni
contrasts) with performance at each subsequent session. Adapted from Manzey
et al. [1998].
represent a transient phenomenon, however. After the first three weeks in space,
tracking performance was back to pre-flight baseline levels and remained stable
at this level throughout all of the remaining in-flight sessions. However, clear
disturbances of tracking performance reappeared during the first two assessments
after the flight when the subject was forced to re-adapt to Earth conditions. Again, a
recovery of performance was observed across post-flight assessments, and
impairments of tracking were not seen any more at the follow-up sessions. Further
performance decrements were observed in the dual-task, indicating increased
difficulties in dividing attention between tracking and memory search in space.
Even though these effects were less pronounced than those found during the short-
duration space flight, it was striking that they also occurred during the first two to
four weeks in space and again emerged independent of the memory load [Manzey et
al., 1998]. Comparisons of the time course of performance effects and subjective
mood and workload ratings revealed that the impairments of performance were
closely associated with alterations in perceived mood and workload. Changes of
mood emerged for a mood factor mainly representing ratings of "emotional balance"
and "alertness" (Figure 3.3c). These changes indicated that during the first three
weeks in space and the first two weeks after return to Earth, alertness and emotional
balance were perceived as low, compared to pre-flight and most other in-flight
sessions. This would be expected to have an impact on performance. Correlation
analyses revealed a significant relationship between the reported changes of mood
and both tracking and dual-task performance. In addition, doing the different
performance tasks was perceived as more effortful during these periods.
What can be learned from these results? First, the findings for the two elemen-
tary cognitive tasks (grammatical reasoning, memory search) provide more empiri-
cal support for the conclusions drawn from studies during short-duration space
flight that impairments of basic cognitive processes are not to be expected in space
or, at least, can be fully compensated for by increased efforts of the astronaut. In
addition, they prove the generalizability of this assumption to prolonged space
missions.
Second, the findings of tracking performance decrements and increased dual-
task interference effects during the first in-flight phase support the previous findings
of disturbed visuo-motor and attentional processes during space flight. Beyond that,
they suggest that these phenomena represent only transient effects that disappear
within the first month in space. This period seems to represent a critical adaptational
phase that is associated with impairments in subjective mood and well-being.
Furthermore, the effort to accomplish pre-trained tasks may be perceived as being
greater in space during this period than on Earth. This agrees well with a 2-stage
model of human adaptation to long-duration space flight, with the first stage of
primary adaptation to space lasting up to 6 weeks (see Chapter 2). It is further in
line with early reports from Skylab astronauts, where work speed was observed to
slow down during the first week in space [Kubis et al., 1977; see below Section 3.5],
and it coincides with the novelty effect reported by Kanas and his colleagues [2001]
that seemed to affect the emotional and interpersonal state of American astronauts
during their first few weeks on-orbit on the Mir space station (see Section 4.8.2).
Third, the full recovery from performance and mood disturbance in space, and
the stability of mood and performance during more than 400 days, suggest that it is
possible (after successful adaptation to the space environment) to maintain
performance efficiency on a comparatively high level, even during long-duration
space missions.
Finally, the post-flight effects observed during the first two weeks after landing
suggest that during re-adaptation to Earth conditions after a long-duration space
mission, similar performance and mood-related effects are to be expected as during
adaptation to the space environment. However, the results of follow-up assessments
half a year after the mission reveal that even extremely long stays in space do not
lead to long-lasting performance disturbances after returning to Earth.
3.4.3. Impairments of tracking and dual-task performance in space:

effects of microgravity, stress, or both?
How do the impairments of performance observed during short-duration and long-
duration space missions relate to the two sets of factors, microgravity and non-
specific stress effects, which have been thought to cause performance decrements in
space? A straightforward explanation is clearest for the dual-task performance
decrements and perhaps also for the increased difficulties in attention switching
observed in different studies [Eddy et al., 1998; Manzey et al., 1995, 1998; Schiflett
et al., 1995]. These effects seem to result primarily from attentional selectivity
effects; i.e., a reduced capability to divide attention between different tasks or task
goals. Originally, attentional selectivity was assumed to result from a reduced spa-
tial distribution of attention in states of high arousal [Easterbrook, 1959]. In more
recent theoretical approaches, however, attentional selectivity has been defined as a
compensatory performance adjustment under stress and high workload which is
characterized by focussing attention on some (high-priority) task requirements at the
expense of other (secondary) elements in order to reduce the overall attentional
demands [Hockey, 1997, see Section 3.2.2]. Given that attentional selectivity has
been found to accompany a variety of stress states induced by internal or external
stressors (e.g., fatigue, anxiety, noise, heat), it appears most likely that the dual-task
performance decrements observed during space flight reflect such a stress-related
effect that arises from the heavy burden of adapting to the extreme living and
working conditions in space. In line with this interpretation is the finding that dual-
task performance may remain unimpaired during space flight if a dual-task is used
that only places minimum demands on divided attention by providing a highly
compatible combination of tasks, with the second task embedded into the first
[Fowler et al., 2000a].
In contrast, the explanation of the tracking performance decrements observed in
space is less clear-cut [Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a; Manzey et al., 2000]. Visuo-
motor tracking represents a perceptual-motor task that not only demands perceptual-
motor functions (e.g., fast transformations of a visual input into appropriate
movements of a joystick) but also places comparatively high demands on attentional
processes. Thus, the tracking performance decrements observed in space, similar to
the dual-task effects, can be related to non-specific stress effects leading to
decreased attentional capacity. This is suggested by the obvious associations
between tracking error and subjective fatigue or mood ratings in some studies
[Manzey et al., 1998; Schiflett et al., 1995]. It further is supported by findings of
similar (though weaker) disturbances of tracking performance in Earth-bound
simulations of space flight, which obviously cannot result from any stressor specific
to the space environment but seem to arise from confinement and/or the decreased
quality of the ambient atmosphere [Lorenz et al., 1996; Manzey and Lorenz,
1998b].
On the other hand, the degradations of tracking performance found during the
first assessment(s) in space [Manzey et al., 1993, 1998; Schiflett et al., 1995] and
after return to Earth from long-duration space missions [Manzey et al., 1998] sug-
gest that the well-known effects of microgravity on motor control processes might
have contributed to these performance deficits as well. These considerations have
led to a two-factor hypothesis of tracking performance in space [Manzey, 2000a;
Manzey and Lorenz, 1998a; Manzey et al., 1998]. According to this hypothesis,
impairments of tracking performance during space flight are related both to
microgravity-induced changes in the sensory-motor system as well as impairments
of attention due to non-specific effects of workload and fatigue. It is assumed that
the first factor disturbs tracking performance early in flight, whereas the second
primarily is responsible for tracking performance decrements after some time into
the mission.
This hypothesis has been addressed in a space flight study involving one
cosmonaut on a 20-day space mission to Mir [Manzey et al., 2000]. In this study,
the same unstable tracking task was used as in the studies before. Tracking perform-
ance was assessed repeatedly at 6 pre-flight, 6 in-flight, and 7 post-flight sessions.
The results provided empirical evidence for the two-factor hypothesis. In accord-
ance with the results from the earlier research, a comparison of pre-flight and in-
flight performance revealed significant tracking performance decrements in space.
These emerged at the first attempt to perform the task after exposure to microgravity
and re-appeared after an intermediate recovery during the second and third week of
the mission (Figure 3.4a). In addition, tracking errors increased during the first post-
flight week. Analyses of subjective data suggested some correspondence between
the tracking performance decrements that occurred later in-flight and the post-flight
sessions, with increases of workload or decreases of alertness (Figure 3.4b).
In contrast, only subtle changes of alertness and workload were observed early
in-flight. Fine-grained analyses of tracking performance based on control-theoretical
models of tracking behavior revealed a qualitative difference between tracking
impairments at the early and late flight phases, which is in keeping with the two-
factor hypothesis. In particular, the performance decrements observed early in-flight
were almost exclusively related to an increase of the effective time delay during
tracking; i.e., a prolongation of the time needed to transform the visually perceived
tracking signal into appropriate control movements. Such an effect was not found
during any assessments on Earth and appears to result from microgravity-related
disturbances of the internal processing of the tracking signal or of the generation of
control movements in space, similar to those responsible for the slowing observed in
other voluntary movements (see Section 3.3.5). However, the tracking impairments
10 (a) Unstable Tracking

9

*
8 *
7 * * *
0
4
5
7
10
16
18
-7
+1
+2
+ 4
- 10
0
+ 10
+ 12
+ 72
73
- 2e
s
+
Ba
(b) Subjective Workload/Alertness

6
4 Workload
Difference Score
Alertness
2
-2
-4
-6
4
5
7
10
16
+8
-7
+1
+2
+ 4
- 10
0
+ 10
+ 12
+ 72
73
- 2e
1
s
Ba
Mission Day
Pre-Flight MIR-Station Post-Flight
Figure 3.4. Tracking Performance and Subjective Ratings of Workload and Alertness
during 20-day Space Flight. (a) Root mean squared tracking error (RMSE) as a
function of experimental session. The error bar represents the standard deviation
of performance across the three sessions that have been pooled to derive the
baseline value. Significant increments of tracking error revealed by paired
Bonferroni comparisons of baseline tracking performance with performance in all
other experimental sessions are marked by an asterisk. (b) Subjective alertness
and workload ratings. Shown are difference scores with respect to baseline
ratings. Adapted from Manzey et al. [2000].
observed at later in-flight and post-flight sessions also seemed to be caused by

impairments of attentional processes. That was concluded from the finding of
reduced movement amplitudes (reduced “tracking gain”) and an increase of
movements uncorrelated to the tracking signal (“remnant”); i.e., effects that usually
are reported from ground-based research when subjects perform a tracking task in
states of raised workload or reduced attention [e.g. Wickens and Gopher, 1977].
In conclusion, the results of performance monitoring studies during short-
duration and long-duration space missions supplement and extend the knowledge
gained from neuroscience research related to information processing. The finding of
tracking performance decrements fits nicely with the results of the analyses of
aimed arm and fine motor control movements described in Section 3.3.5.. These
latter effects have been explained by the “re-interpretation hypothesis”, which states
that motor control in space might be affected by the de-coupling of mass and weight
that in turn can lead to a mis-calibration of muscle forces needed to execute certain
movements. It might be assumed that these same mechanisms have contributed to the
decrements in tracking performance, at least during the first assessments in space.
This assumption receives some support from a re-analysis of the Manzey et al.
[2000] data, which suggests that observed tracking performance decrements in space
might be explained by inappropriate calculations of muscular forces that likely
results from an underestimation of masses due to weightlessness [Heuer et al.,
2003]. Even though impairments arising from these effects can be compensated for
very rapidly if visual feedback is provided, as in the tracking task, these
compensatory processes seem to raise the attentional demands of the task. This
probably makes them particularly prone to the adverse effects of stress and
workload, at least for the first four weeks of a space mission. Furthermore, the
capability of working on two tasks simultaneously can become degraded during
adaptation to space flight. This impairment seems to result from non-specific stress
effects leading to attentional selectivity or a change to less attention-demanding task
strategies. Because comparable effects have not been observed in ground-based
simulations of space flight [Manzey and Lorenz, 1998b; Shehab et al., 1998], the
finding of dual-task performance decrements in space may be taken as evidence for
the highly demanding conditions of real flights. However, neither performance
decrement has been found to persist for more than the first four weeks of a space
mission. Thus, they seem to be transient phenomena, which are mainly associated
with primary adaptation to the altered living and working conditions in space.
In contrast, performance on tasks that probe basic cognitive processes like
memory-retrieval, logical reasoning, or spatial processing show a surprising resili-
ency against the detrimental effects of the space environment, even though deterio-
rations occasionally have been observed in these functions [Eddy et al., 1998;
Schiflett et al., 1995]. The finding of unimpaired spatial processing in space is in
line with corresponding conclusions from cognitive neuroscience studies and
generalize it to a variety of different spatial processing tasks. Furthermore, the
general result of unimpaired cognitive performance is in accordance with similar
results from ground-based space flight simulations [Vaernes et al., 1993] and
prolonged bed rest studies with head-down tilt, a situation often used to simulate
certain effects of space flight (hypokinesia, cardiovascular de-conditioning) [Pavy-
Le Traon et al., 1994; Shehab et al., 1998]. Yet the mere fact that no overt
performance decrements have been found in these cognitive tasks does not
necessarily indicate that the underlying cognitive processes remain unchanged in

space. Alternatively, it can be assumed that it is easier in these tasks to protect
performance against the detrimental effects of the space flight environment (e.g., by
increased effort) than it is in tracking and dual-tasks, which already require a
comparatively high level of attention and effort.
These conclusions are based on a comparatively small data base [Casler and
Cook, 1999]. This holds in particular for the data from long-duration space
missions, where only one subject’s performance has been monitored so far. How-
ever, the convergence of results of performance monitoring and cognitive neuro-
science research during short-duration space flights and the early periods of long-
duration space missions are striking, and they suggest at least some generalizability
of the observed performance effects during adaptation to space.
3.5. Complex cognitive and perceptual-motor skills

Cognitive neuroscience research and performance monitoring studies have been
restricted to investigations of relatively elementary cognitive functions probed by
specific laboratory tasks. Even though this presents an advantage in identifying the
possible effects of space flight-related stressors on specific aspects of human
information processing, it leaves the question open as to what extent the findings
can be generalized to more complex cognitive and perceptual-motor skills, such as
those involved in performing real operational or scientific mission tasks in space.
According to the compensatory control model of stress and performance
described above (Section 3.2.2), performance of complex tasks can be better
protected against stress effects than performance of simple tasks. This is assumed
because individuals usually are concerned more with maintaining performance dur-
ing such tasks. In addition, complex tasks usually provide more degrees of freedom
for adaptive changes of performance strategies. However, this does not mean that
the underlying skills are invulnerable to stress effects. Rather, it suggests that in this
case stress effects may not be reflected in overt performance decrements but only in
more subtle (latent) effects; e.g., increased effort or changes in the strategies applied
to master a certain task.
3.5.1. Ground-based studies

Specific studies addressing this question have been conducted during ground-based
simulations of space flight and in analog environments [Hockey and Wiethoff,
1993; Hockey and Sauer, 1996; Sauer et al., 1999a, 1999b, 1999c]. In these studies,
the effects of simulated space flight conditions on complex task performance were
analysed by means of a “micro-world” (i.e., a computer-based task environment that
is sufficiently complex to simulate important features of real operational tasks). For
example, a simulated “Cabin Air Management System (CAMS)” was used to
investigate complex cognitive skills in three studies involving ground-based
simulations of a short-duration (6 days) and a long-duration (135 days) space
mission, as well as in a study conducted during a wintering-over expedition to
Antarctica for eight months [Sauer et al., 1999a, 1999b, 1999c]. In this task,
subjects monitor and control several parameters of a simulated life-support system.

Performance scores can be derived on different levels, providing information not
only about overall task performance (i.e., how well the subjects can keep the
different parameters within given limits) but also about several aspects of individual
performance strategies (i.e., certain aspects of their monitoring and control
behavior). Using this task for the monitoring of performance of six participants
during a 6-day simulated space flight did not reveal any impairments in any measure
during the confinement period [Sauer et al., 1999c]. This might be taken as more
evidence for the conclusions drawn from the performance monitoring studies
described above that performance decrements early in flight are due mainly to
effects of microgravity, which cannot be simulated on the ground.
However, a somewhat different picture emerged by applying the same task for
performance monitoring during a simulation of a long-duration space mission
[Sauer et al., 1999b]. Even though overall performance again did not show any
decrements, subtle performance changes were found that might reflect compen-
satory reactions in response to mission-related stressors. Specifically, a reduction of
monitoring activity combined with increased control activities were observed in two
of the three subjects in the second half of a 135-day period of confinement. This
pattern of effects indicated a shift to a less effortful but clearly more risky strategy
of task performance during the course of confinement. However, this effect could
not be replicated in the wintering-over study [Sauer et al., 1999a], nor were similar
effects observed in any other simulation study. Thus, it currently represents a unique
result that is difficult to assess. Furthermore, all of the ground-based studies con-
ducted so far have suffered from methodological weaknesses that clearly limit their
conclusiveness. One particular difficulty relates to persistent learning effects due to
insufficient pre-mission training that might have masked possible performance
effects in most of these investigations.
3.5.2. Empirical findings from space: effects of stressors on complex

cognitive and perceptual-motor skills
Even fewer quantitative studies have been published that have investigated the
effects of space-related stressors on complex cognitive and perceptual-motor skills
during actual space missions. All of these studies have involved some kind of
monitoring of astronaut performance during real mission tasks. Two of these studies
were conducted during Skylab missions in the 1970s, and another one was based on
analyses of crew errors during Mir missions. Garriott and Doerre [1977] analyzed
the crew efficiency of Skylab astronauts by means of comparing the number of
working hours spent on defined tasks divided by the number of hours awake. This
provided a very rough efficiency score reflecting on how much of the available
waking time actually was spent working during different mission phases.
Decrements in crew efficiency were only found during the first four days in space
and were related to episodes of space motion sickness. In the course of the mission,
crew efficiency improved considerably from an efficiency ratio of about 0.5 during
the first week to a ratio of up to 0.75 at later mission phases. However, the measure
of “crew efficiency” in this study clearly was too rough and general to reveal any
detailed information about the actual performance of the astronauts.
Kubis et al. [1977] performed time-and-motion studies for different defined

tasks in space and compared the results with similar data obtained during pre-flight
training. For tasks like assembling and using a camera system or experimental and
exercise equipment, or preparing food, they found significant performance
disturbances (mainly a slowing of performance) only for the first execution in space.
In line with the results from cognitive neuroscience and performance monitoring
studies, most of these disturbances related to transient impairments of fine motor
skills and showed a rapid recovery during the first week(s) in space. Most of the
tasks could be performed as fast as on the ground during the second trial in-flight,
which usually was scheduled during the second week of the mission.
Finally, in a more recent study, the operational performance of 28 cosmonauts
was analysed during 14 Mir missions of different length [Nechaev, 2001]. In this
study, performance was assessed by recordings of “crew member errors”, defined as
any deviations from standard performance (including incorrect execution of
procedures, forgetting of necessary actions, or conducting unnecessary actions). The
number of errors was found to vary across space missions, which suggested some
instability of individual performance. Closer inspection of the data revealed a
significant correlation between crew errors and stress arising from disturbances in
the usual work-rest schedules, episodes of particularly high workload, or
psychosomatic discomfort. This suggested a relationship between decrements of
operational task performance and states of decreased alertness and fatigue.
However, the conclusiveness of the above results again is limited. First, only one
study [Kubis et al., 1977] compared in-flight with pre-flight performance. The other
studies were based on intra-mission comparisons of performance efficiency, which
did not result in clear conclusions about the general level of performance in space.
Second, all of the above studies used rather general measures of performance
efficiency, which did not provide detailed information about the nature of possible
performance decrements in complex skills, and which might have missed subtle
(latent) performance changes arising from “performance protection strategies” (see
Section 3.2.2). Nevertheless, the significance of gaining more knowledge about the
impact of space flight-related stressors on mental efficiency and complex cognitive
and perceptual-motor skills is obvious, and the approach of analyzing performance
in mission tasks or simulated “micro-worlds” seems to be an important complement
to the more basic performance research presented above.
3.6. Summary
• Human performance in space can suffer from both microgravity effects involv-
ing vestibular and sensorimotor processes as well as non-specific stress effects
related to workload, sleep disturbances, and other factors of the extreme living
and working conditions in space.
• Important effects of microgravity include disturbances of spatial orientation,
alterations of spatial perception, reduced sensitivity of mass discrimination, and
a slowing or loss of precision of voluntary movements. Most of these effects
persist for a comparatively short time and diminish in the course of adjustment
or the establishment of effective compensatory mechanisms.
• A loss of a sense of verticality seldom has been reported from astronauts.
Instead, they usually keep some kind of subjective verticality with respect to an
egocentric frame of reference (e.g., “up” is where the head is). Similarly, spatial
assignments to external objects usually are made with reference to the
coordinates of the visual field. As a consequence, unambiguous
communications about spatial relationships between two astronauts seem to be
possible only if the orientations of both are aligned.
• The “face inversion” effect persists in space. That is, communication of
astronauts whose orientation is inverted to each other can be severely disturbed
by difficulties in perceiving and interpreting non-verbal cues correctly.
• Performance monitoring studies during space flight have revealed that tracking
and dual-task performance are prone to disturbance effects during short-
duration space missions. Impairments of tracking performance seem to reflect
the effects of both microgravity as well as non-specific effects of workload and
fatigue. Microgravity-related decrements occur only during the first trials under
altered gravity conditions and can be compensated for later unless workload
and fatigue are high. Impairments of dual-task performance seem to result
primarily from non-specific stress effects on attentional processes.
• Little is known about the effects of long-duration space missions on cognitive
functions. A first performance monitoring study suggests that the first two to
four weeks of long-duration space flight, and the first two weeks after return to
Earth, represent a critical period where fine motor control and attentional
processes may be impaired. After successful adaptation to the space
environment, cognitive performance can be maintained on a comparatively high
level, even during long-duration space missions.
• Complex cognitive skills seem to remain intact during space missions and
periods of long-term confinement and isolation. But analyses of crew errors
during Russian Mir missions suggest a close relationship between the
occurrence of errors in mission tasks and disturbances of work-rest schedules,
periods of high workload, and physical discomfort.
• Even though several studies of cognitive performance have been conducted
during short-duration and long-duration space missions, and during ground-
based simulations, the currently available database still is small, and further
research is needed in this area.
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Missions to the International Space Station are composed of heterogeneous

crews. Both men and women and people from different cultural backgrounds
interact over long periods of time. “The Expedition Five crewmembers pose for a
photo in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). From the
left are cosmonaut Valery G. Korzun, mission commander; astronaut Peggy
A.Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev, both flight engineers. Korzun and
Treschev represent Rosaviakosmos.” (Photo and quoted description courtesy of
NASA)
Chapter 4
Human Interactions
4.1. Interpersonal issues

Interpersonal issues relating to how space crewmembers interact with one another and
with people in mission control need to be addressed in order to enhance the possibility
of mission success. Especially during long-duration space missions lasting more than 6
weeks (after the period of initial adaptation; see Chapter 2), psychosocial pressures
take on an importance not found in shorter missions (Table 4.1). For one thing, the
goals and activities are more complex, demanding more from crewmembers. In
addition, periods of structured activity (which may be hectic at times) may alternate
with periods of unstructured down-time (which may be relaxing to some but stressful
to others who find them monotonous). Also, interpersonal irritants and problems that
can be ignored for short durations become magnified and difficult to deal with during
longer periods of time. Finally, the interactions of people working in isolation change
over time, and these changes can be harmful if poorly understood and dealt with.
This chapter will focus on interpersonal issues that affect the dynamics and
performance of crewmembers working in space. Group-level factors are not as easy
to conceptualize as factors affecting individuals. For example, most people know
what it means when an astronaut is feeling homesick, but less has been said about
intra-crew tension or changes in cohesion over time. During stressful times in space,
the ability of crewmembers to deal with problems is critical. Anything that
negatively influences crewmember interactions has a direct effect on performance
and the ability of the crew to function appropriately. Thus, it is important to clearly
conceptualize and study interpersonal issues in order to advance our knowledge of
their impact and to develop countermeasure strategies for dealing with them.
Table 4.1. Psychosocial Stressors Impacting on Long- Versus Short-Duration International

Space Missions.
Stressor Short-Duration Long-Duration

(6 Weeks or Less) (more than 6 Weeks)
Physical environment Isolating and confining Isolating and confining
Danger level Potentially high Potentially high
Mission goals Limited to complex Complex to highly complex
Activity level Busy Busy to boring
Interpersonal conflicts Can be ignored Can become consequential
Group dynamics Relatively stable Variable
89
Table 4.2. Important Interpersonal Issues and Their Sequelae During Long-Duration
Space Missions.
Issue Specific Harmful Sequelae

Crew heterogeneity due to: gender, cultural Intra-crew tension, scapegoating, long-eye
differences, career motivation and phenomenon
experiences, and personality
Changes in cohesion over time Withdrawal and territorial behavior, subgrouping
Language and dialect variations Crew miscommunication
Crew size Small crews of two or three people are more
problematic than larger crews of six or seven
and can lead to minority isolation
Odd-numbered crews that are larger than three
people can more easily achieve consensus than
even-numbered crews
Leadership roles: task versus supportive Leadership role confusion, status leveling
Crew-ground interactions: empathy, over- Crew-ground miscommunication, perceived lack
scheduling, autonomy, psychological of support from the ground, failure to deal with
closing, displacement intra-crew problems, information filtration
A number of interpersonal issues may be identified that have relevance for long-
duration space crews [Kanas, 2005]. These generally are by-products of small group
interactions and can be found in social and work groups on Earth. Given the unique
stressors of space, these issues may lead to problematic behavior that can produce
intrapsychic and interpersonal stress and can affect the ability of crewmembers to
accomplish mission goals. The various issues and their sequelae will be discussed
below and are summarized in Table 4.2. Note that in the table, specific sequelae are
listed that are most identified with the issue being described. However, there can be
overlap in a given situation. For example, personality differences between
crewmembers can not only lead to tension and scapegoating, as shown in the table,
but the resulting interpersonal conflicts can cause crew miscommunication,
leadership role confusion, and cohesion disruptions leading to withdrawal and
subgrouping.
4.2. Crew heterogeneity

In the early days of space flight, crews were composed of male astronauts from the
same country with piloting and engineering backgrounds. This reflected national
considerations and the relative brevity of the flights. Currently, missions are more
long-term, complicated and expensive, requiring international cooperation and the
sharing of equipment and human talents. Consequently, crews are much more
heterogeneous. For example, missions to the International Space Station (ISS)
involve men and women with different career backgrounds from a number of
countries who interact together in space for months at a time. The impact of this
Human Interactions 91
heterogeneity needs to be evaluated in order to enhance the probability of mission

success, especially for longer-term missions to the ISS or to Mars.
4.2.1. Gender
Mixed-gender crews have flown in space for over 2 decades, and women have
performed on a par with their male colleagues. Historically, most mixed-gender
missions have been short in duration, but in 1996 an American female astronaut,
Shannon Lucid, completed a successful 6-month mission with two male Russian
cosmonauts on board the Mir space station, showing that men and women from
different cultures can interact in space for long periods of time. This trend has
continued in missions involving the International Space Station. As of mid-2007,
there have been three missions to the ISS where an American woman has lived and
worked in space for over 5 months with at lest two men (both Americans and
Russians). Anecdotal reports have indicated that the crewmembers got along and
that primary mission goals were achieved.
Studies on Earth have demonstrated that women perform well in space
simulation environments. For example, on a Tektite submersible mission, the
performance of a crew of five women was judged to be equal to or better than that
of all-male crews participating in the project [Miller et al., 1971]. Kahn and Leon
[1994] evaluated an expedition team composed of four women that spent 67 days in
the Antarctic. They concluded that this team performed on a par with male or
mixed-gender teams and may have been more sensitive to interpersonal concerns.
Bishop [2004] reviewed all-female and all-male desert survival teams and
concluded that the former were sensitive to interpersonal issues and team member
welfare, whereas the latter were focused on task objectives, sometimes to the
detriment of an individual member. Similarly, based on her review, Leon [2005]
concluded that all-male expedition teams showed patterns of strong competitiveness
and little sharing of personal concerns, whereas women in mixed-gender and all-
female groups exhibited considerable concerns about the welfare of their team-
mates. Wood and her colleagues [2005] also found that women in Antarctic stations
were more sensitive than men to decrements in crew cohesion. In a European Space
Agency space simulation study called EXEMSI (Experimental Campaign for the
European Manned Space Infrastrucutre), three men and one woman were secluded
for 60 days in a hyperbaric chamber. During periods of interpersonal strife, the
female crewmember was seen as being a peacemaker, playing an important role in
lowering the overall tension in the group [Vaernes, 1993]. This finding was echoed
by Leon [2005] in her review. Rosnet and her colleagues [2004] concluded that the
presence of women during the wintering-over period at a French polar station had
positive effects on the crew by reducing rude behavior in the male members.
However, there are some indications that interpersonal tensions may occur in
male-female crews working under isolated and confined conditions. For example,
sexual stereotyping was found during the 211-day Salyut 7 mission, when newly
arriving cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya was greeted with flowers and a blue floral
print apron and was asked to prepare the meals shortly after beginning her eight day
visit on-board the space station [Lebedev, 1988]. Similar stereotyping also was
noted during the 61-day joint Soviet-American Bering Bridge expedition from
Siberia to Alaska, and Leon and her colleagues [1994] concluded that the Soviet
men were more chauvinistic than their American counterparts toward the female
expedition members. Rosnet and colleagues [2004] found the presence of seduction
behavior, rivalry, and sexual harassment in their polar station when the women were
about the same age as the men. Finally, in a review of U.S. naval officers and
enlisted personnel working at sea, women were viewed as performing well, but
gender conflicts and stereotyping still occurred [Boeing Aerospace Company,
1983]. Thus, attitudinal issues may affect male-female relationships during isolated
and confined conditions, even though intellectual or performance differences are
negligible. But the personalities of the participants may play a role in ameliorating
gender differences. Personality issues are discussed below in Section 4.2.4.
The possibility of pairing and sexual contact also needs to be considered during
long-duration space missions. Will such activities lead to jealousies and problems in
crew cohesion? In a recent space simulation project conducted in Moscow that
involved several multinational teams of isolated and confined individuals (called
SFINCSS, or Simulation of a Flight of International Crew on Space Station), a
female participant reported unwanted sexual advances (including kissing) from a
male participant. This resulted in a breakdown of cohesion and group rancor that
affected not only the isolated teams but also the participating agencies [Inoue et al.,
2004; Kass and Kass, 2001; Sandal, 2004]. Stuster [1996] has pointed out that
similar unwanted sexual attention has occurred during Antarctic missions, and that
disruptions in cohesion have taken place as a result of male-female pairings. He also
stated that if a woman chooses to have a relationship during her stay in the
Antarctic, it often is with one man, with a preference for senior over junior
personnel. Although the other men usually accept the situation, disruptions may
occur if the relationship involves the station leader, who is seen as having an unfair
advantage. Along these lines, it is interesting that in the days of the polar explorers,
the commanding officer of the ship or the expedition leader was permitted the
luxury of taking his wife or mistress with him on the long voyage [Stuster, 1996].
Buckey [2006] has reviewed a number of the sexual and non-sexual tensions that
might occur in a mixed-gender crew going to Mars. He suggests that the crew-
members could be observed under isolated and confined conditions during training
to see how they come together as a team in reference to possible problems with
harassment, flirtatiousness, or jealousy. Should such problems occur, further
training or even replacement of offending crewmembers might be necessary for the
actual mission.
One might argue that future crews should consist of married couples or stable
male-female pairs in order to minimize competition and conflict. However, there is
no reason to expect that such a crew composition would prevent secret liaisons and
jealousies, since infidelity and extra-marital relations occur on Earth in less stressful
interpersonal environments. Enforced platonic relationships and sexual abstinence
also is a possibility, but it is difficult to imagine this as a realistic scenario for
healthy energetic people who are confined together for long periods of time.
Perhaps novel social systems and customs will evolve in space that are similar to
those found in communes, where pairings and unpairings will be tolerated with a
minimum of conflict and animosity.
4.2.2. Cultural differences

Another issue of crew heterogeneity relates to the different cultural backgrounds of
crewmembers during international space missions [Ritsher, 2005]. As mentioned in
Section 1.4.3, culture can be conceptualized as national, organizational, and
professional (Helmreich, 2000). Issues related to national and organizational culture
will be discussed in this section. Career-related issues arising from differences in
professional culture will be considered in the next section.
National and organizational issues certainly can have an impact on space crews.
During a Russian-operated Salyut 6 mission, a Czech visiting cosmonaut joked that
his hands turned red in space since whenever he reached for a switch or dial, one of
the Russian cosmonauts would slap his hand away and tell him not to touch
anything [Oberg, 1981]. During the 211-day Salyut 7 mission, cosmonaut Valentin
Lebedev wrote in his diary that he felt some discomfort at having a French visiting
cosmonaut on-board in contrast to feeling more relaxed with Russian visitors
2 months later [Lebedev, 1988]. During his 115-day visit to the Mir space station,
astronaut Norm Thagard reported feeling culturally isolated as the only American
on-board with two Russian cosmonauts. He stated that such isolation could become
problematic on a longer mission of 6 months or more [Benson, 1996].
Few systematic studies have addressed these issues. One of the first was
conducted in 1992 at McDonnel Douglas and involved a survey of 74 individuals
from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency
(CSA) and the Japanese National Space Development Agency (NASDA) by means
of a “Multicultural Crew Factors Questionnaire” [Lozano and Wong, 1996]. As a
result of this study, 14 key cultural and interpersonal communication factors were
identified which might impact multicultural crew operations and interactions. These
factors are listed in Table 4.3.
Santy and her colleagues [1993] surveyed nine American astronauts who had
flown on international space missions and recorded 17 incidents of miscommuni-
cation, misunderstanding, or interpersonal conflict that impacted on the mission. All
of the respondents said that it was important to have pre-flight training in cultural
issues, especially if this related to the backgrounds of fellow crewmembers.
Additional information about the significance of cross-cultural issues is avail-
able from space analog environments and simulation studies. For example, during
the Bering Bridge expedition, one of the Russian members acknowledged that dis-
agreements resulted from the fact that the Soviets were accustomed to doing things
collectively as compared with the Americans, who approached tasks more
individually [Leon, 1991]. More recently, results from the SFINCSS project sug-
gested that cultural differences played a role in many of the misunderstandings and
conflicts that took place; both national and organizational factors were implicated
[Gushin and Pustinnikova, 2001; Gushin et al., 2001; Inoue et al., 2004; Sandal,
2004; Tomi, 2001]. In contrast, multinational crews participating in European Space
Agency space simulations studied in a hyperbaric chamber that lasted for 28 and 60
days, respectively, interacted productively and were able to successfully accomplish
their mission goals [Sandal et al., 1995].
Table 4.3. Key Cultural and Interpersonal Communication Factors that Affect Crew
Operations and Interactions in Multicultural Crews. Source: Lozano and Wong
[1996].
Language
Nonverbal communication styles
Task- and relationship-oriented behavior
Patience and tolerance
Decision making processes
Assertiveness
Interpersonal interest
Respect for other cultures
Personal hygiene and cleanliness
Gender roles and stereotypes
Conflict management and resolution
Trust in other people
Scheduling and time management
Sense of humor
Bluth [1984] has described a number of cultural traits that could create problems
in space, many of which are subtle. For example, she has written that people from
Arab and Japanese cultures accept physical closeness better than Americans, and
they might tolerate the cramped quarters of a space station better than their Western
counterparts. Pollis [1965] has pointed out that there is no word for “privacy“ in
Greek, possibly reflecting the notion that existence apart from family and friends is
foreign to Greek cultural norms. Consequently, a Greek astronaut might perceive a
fellow crewmember’s need for privacy as a personal affront rather than as a desire
to get a little time alone.
Along these lines, Raybeck [1991] has written about a number of national and
cultural traits which affect one’s concept of privacy. He states that in some cultures,
people who prefer to be alone are regarded with suspicion or are seen as being
deviant and non-conforming to the group norms. Such attitudes may influence the
conception of one’s self and one’s relationship with others. He warns that such
issues need to be addressed in planning for missions involving people working in
confined environments for prolonged periods of time, such as in space stations.
Finally, a recent review on cultural issues during space missions has been
provided by Kring [2001]. In partial overlap with the earlier results from the
McDonnel Douglas study, he identified ten areas related to space missions that are
influenced by the national culture of the participants. These are: communication;
cognition and decision making; technology interfacing; interpersonal interactions;
work, management, and leadership style; personal hygiene and clothing; food
preparation and meals; religion and holidays; recreation; and habitat aesthetics.
Based in his analysis, Kring proposed a multicultural training approach for both
crewmembers and mission control personnel that involves six steps: (1) providing
all trainees with a brief overview of each person’s cultural background, (2)
describing the ten areas mentioned above in terms of their importance for the
mission, (3) allowing the trainees to record their own mission preferences with
regard to the ten areas, (4) facilitating a group discussion regarding the rationale for
these preferences, (5) collectively agreeing on behaviors acceptable to everyone
during the mission, and (6) recording a final set of guidelines. Training issues
involving space missions will be considered further in Chapter 6.
4.2.3. Career motivation and experiences

Astronauts and cosmonauts find meaningful work important, especially during long-
duration space missions. Gerald Carr, who commanded the 84-day U.S. Skylab
space station mission, said that it was important for him to keep busy with an active
work schedule [Bell, 1981]. In his diary, cosmonaut Valentin Lebedev [1988]
described ways in which he kept busy during his long Salyut 7 mission. These
included photographic activities that he planned to use to advance his professional
career after returning to Earth. Astronaut Norm Thagard commented that he felt
underworked during his Mir mission, which was especially awkward since he felt
that his Russian crewmates were overworked [Benson, 1996].
But people vary in their work motivations. Career astronauts have different
goals and priorities than mission specialists and visiting scientists. A similar
situation occurs on Earth. For example, Gunderson [1968] conducted a study of five
U.S. Antarctic stations at a time when their size, isolation, and degree of danger
made them excellent space simulation environments. He found a higher incidence of
psychological symptoms among the naval servicemen than in the general
population. In addition, during the wintering-over period, the naval personnel, who
were used to being outside and active, experienced more psychological problems
than the civilians, who largely were scientists and technicians (Table 4.4). Since the
scientists frequently used unstructured time to complete experiments and write up
scientific reports, the confinement of wintering-over allowed them to do their work
and was more congruent with their career motivations and experiences than was the
case for the naval personnel.
Table 4.4. Emotional Problems from Beginning to End of the Wintering-Over Period at
Five U.S. Antarctic Stations. Abstracted from Gunderson [1968].
Problem Naval Personnel Civilian Personnel
Insomnia 28% increase 4% increase
Depression 15% increase 2% decrease
Hostility 39% increase 21% increase

Also, conflicts between scientists and non-scientists can lead to open hostilities.
In one case involving a scientific expedition at sea, where the scientists kept
extending the mission in order to collect more data samples, angry members of the
homesick crew snuck into the refrigerator room one night and tossed laboriously
collected study samples overboard [Finney, 1991]. It is important for groups of
people with different work backgrounds and motivations to respect each other’s
roles and to cooperate; otherwise, mission objectives may be compromised.
4.2.4. Personality
The selection of crewmembers who are psychologically compatible will minimize
miscommunication and maximize their ability to get along during long-duration
space missions. Currently, psychological issues are most emphasized at the time that
candidates are evaluated to be astronauts, when formal testing is made as part of an
attempt to select-out less desirable applicants. Formal psychological tests to select-
in for compatibility have not been used historically by NASA to compose crews for
space missions, although psychological assessment methods have been used for
crew selection in the Russian (Soviet) program for some time. Traditionally, these
methods have emphasized compatibility in psychophysiological reactions and
individual stress resistance, as measured by responses to stressful events such as
parachute jumps [Garshnek, 1989; Gazenko, 1980].
Interpersonally-oriented psychological tests have been used for crew selection in
space simulation studies. Examples include the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations
Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B) test and sociometric questionnaires [Dunlap, 1965;
Ferguson, 1970; Haythorn and Altman, 1963] and the Personality Characteristics
Inventory (PCI) [Chidester et al., 1991]. In addition, Manzey, Schiewe and Fassbender
[1995] described the use of behavioral exercises as part of an “assessment center” to
select compatible crewmembers for the 60-day ESA-sponsored EXEMSI project.
Based on the anticipated task demands of this mission, exercises that were related to
social and leadership competence were constructed and used to observe potential
crewmembers for psychological compatibility. The results of these observations
assisted with the final selection of the 4-person crew. The use of such selection
methods are described in more detail in Chapter 6.
Personality differences and complementarities have been shown to be important
in space analog environments in addressing how people relate with one another. For
example, in one ground-based study measuring the effects of isolation and confine-
ment, 36 sailors were given psychological tests and then were paired according to
different conditions of compatibility [Haythorn and Altman, 1963]. Some pairs were
isolated for 10 days in cabins and given tasks to do. Others did the same tasks but
were allowed to go home in the evening. Both groups were observed through a one-
way mirror and rated on factors such as territoriality, disclosure, performance, and
interactions. In the isolated condition, four pairs of men experienced a great deal of
interpersonal conflict (e.g., arguing, fighting) and withdrawal from each other, and
analysis of the individuals in these conditions revealed that three pairs had members
who were both high in dominance on the Edwards Personal Preference Scale. In
contrast, matched pairs in the non-isolated control condition performed well and
experienced no arguments. In another study using the four-person School of
Aerospace Medicine space cabin simulator, similar problems were observed

between immature, aggressive men who were confined for two to six weeks [Hartman
and Flinn, 1964].
More recently, Sandal et al. [1995] studied six crewmembers who participated in
a 4-week ESA confinement study called ISEMSI (Isolation Study for European
Manned Space Infrastructures). The research team assessed crew behavior over time
using a communications analysis, an adjective interpersonal rating method called
SYMLOG, and a daily survey. They found that tension arose between the two
crewmembers rated as being most dominant, one of whom was the commander. The
person who was not the commander became more and more socially isolated from
the other crewmembers, suggesting that personality incompatibility led to competi-
tion and interpersonal expulsion of this member from the group. Similarly, Gushin
and his colleagues [1998] used a modified version of the Kelly Repertory Grid
technique to evaluate 3-person crews participating in two space analog confinement
studies in Moscow, one lasting 90 days (“ECOPSY“) and one lasting 135 days
(HUBES, or HUman BEhaviour Study). In both crews, the participants were unable
to make their personal self-concepts become more similar to their concepts about
fellow crewmembers. This resulted in crew “disintegration”, with one member in
each crew becoming an outsider. Using a similar methodology, breakdowns in
group integration also were found during the SFINCSS project [Gushin and
Pustinnikova, 2001].
Work has been done evaluating personality features and ability to relate with
other crewmembers in aircraft cockpits, another space analog environment. Three
personality types have been identified and have been labeled: “right stuff“, “wrong
stuff”, and “no stuff” [Bishop, 2004; Chidester et al., 1991, Musson and Helmreich,
2005]. As might be expected by the labels, those with the “right stuff” have been
shown to be most successful in the confined environment of the cockpit (see also
Section 6.4.3).
4.2.5. Problems related to crew heterogeneity

Crewmember heterogeneity can lead to intra-crew tension if interpersonal
differences are highlighted and subtle miscommunications cannot be corrected. In
his diary, cosmonaut Lebedev [1988] alluded to increased group tension during
visits of “guest” cosmonauts, especially those from non-Soviet countries. He also
reported incidences where he and his fellow crewmate became annoyed with one
another during their 211-day mission, and he related this to fatigue and monotony as
the mission progressed and to small disagreements that were unresolved. On Earth,
the eight crewmembers (four men and four women) who were involved with the
2-year Biosphere 2 confinement project reported interpersonal tension, in part
related to mixed-gender issues [Walford et al., 1996].
At times, one person can be blamed or scapegoated when a group of people
cannot resolve issues that lead to intra-group tension. Often, the person who is most
unlike the majority of the crewmembers based on demographic or personality traits
is set up to become the scapegoat, especially if he or she espouses unpopular ideas.
This also can occur if only one person from a subgroup is represented in a crew
(e.g., one woman, one American, one scientist). From a social psychological
perspective, it is a good idea to have at least two such individuals represented, so

long as qualified people can be found to accomplish mission goals.
In isolated and confined conditions, an excluded person may experience a
syndrome that in polar missions is called the “long-eye” phenomenon [Rohrer,
1958]. A person affected by this syndrome may stare off into space and experience
insomnia, depression, agitation, and psychotic symptoms (e.g., auditory halluci-
nations, persecutory delusions). These characteristics of the long-eye phenomenon
may be transient and disappear once the excluded person is accepted back into the
group. Scapegoating of an unpopular individual occurred during the International
Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic [Rivolier et al., 1991; Taylor, 1991], and it
also has been reported during hyperbaric chamber isolation studies [Gushin et al.,
1998].
However, crewmember diversity can produce a positive interpersonal environ-
ment, since differing points of view may help counter the monotony that occurs later
on during long-duration missions. A lot depends on how differences based on
gender, cultural background, career motivation, and personality are dealt with: as
negative areas of mistrust or as positive areas of interest. In this regard, the issues
raised by group heterogeneity are similar to those faced by many work and social
groups on Earth.
In some cases, personality compatibilities can transcend potential negative effects
related to crew heterogeneity. For example, in the EXEMSI study, the single woman
in a crew composed of people from four different European countries was described
as being mature, maternal, and a peace-maker. During the mission, she was able to
intervene in a positive manner when the leader and another male participant began
competing with each other over leadership issues [Vaernes, 1993]. In addition,
during the Shuttle/Mir and early ISS missions, three of the crews were composed of
a single American woman and two men. From all anecdotal indications, the crew-
members maintained their morale, related well with one another, and successfully
accomplished the mission goals. In both of these examples, despite obvious
heterogeneous factors related to gender and cultural background, personality
compatibility contributed in a positive manner to overcome differences and lead to a
positive outcome. More work needs to be done to identify positive factors that can
lead to successful select-in procedures for future space crew selection.
4.3. Crew cohesion

4.3.1. Time effects and mission stage
To properly accomplish mission goals, it is necessary for space crewmembers to
function in a cohesive manner. A number of factors can interfere, such as dif-
ferences over mission goals, intra-crew miscommunication, and poor leadership. As
mentioned in Chapter 2, there have been several models describing stages that occur
over time to people working in isolated and confined environments. The first of
these is Rohrer’s classic triphasic model [1961]. Based on observations made from
submarine and Antarctic environments, Rohrer conceived of three stages during
such missions: initial anxiety, as participants adjust to their new environment;
mid-mission depression and monotony, as activities become routine and participants

may experience boredom and homesickness; and terminal anticipation and euphoria,
as the end of the mission approaches and participants look forward to returning
home. Elements of these three stages have been observed during space missions
[Chaikin, 1985; Grigoriev et al., 1987]. The second model is a quarterly model,
which has been reported from space simulation environments on Earth and mainly
emphasizes the third quarter [Bechtel and Berning, 1991; Gushin et al., 1993, 1997;
Palinkas et al., 2000; Sandal, 2000; Sandal et al., 1995; Stuster et al., 2000]. The
idea is that people participating in a long-duration isolation and confinement
mission arrive at the halfway point somewhat relieved that their experience is half
over. But then they realize that they still have another half to go. Consequently,
there is an emotional letdown in the subsequent third quarter. The final model is a
biphasic model that emphasizes first half versus second half differences, with the
notion that degradations occur in emotional state and group cohesion during the
second half as the mission wears on. However, not all space analog studies have
found these stages uniformly occurring in isolated groups, although individual
crewmembers may experience them [Kanas et al., 1996; Steel and Suedfeld, 1991;
Wood et al., 1999, 2005]. On-orbit studies also have tested for group stages, and
this work is described below.
4.3.2. Problems related to changes in cohesion

Disruptions in cohesion at different stages of the mission have been described
during long-duration Russian space missions [Chaikin, 1985; Grigoriev et al.,
1987]. Especially problematic is the long monotonous second stage. For example, in
his diary Lebedev [1988] described withdrawing more and more from his crewmate
as their mission dragged on. Withdrawal also has been observed in space analog
environments [Vaernes, 1993; Haythorn and Altman, 1963]. In its extreme, it can
result in territorial behavior, where people become overly sensitive to the need for
their own personal space and property, and where arguments and fights can result
from minor intrusions (e.g., borrowing someone’s pen or sitting in “their” chair).
Such behavior, which is much more extreme than normal privacy concerns, may
seriously destroy the cohesion of a crew and lead to major disruptions in
performance.
Another cohesion problem is subgrouping, where crewmembers segregate along
social, national, or job-oriented lines. Some subgrouping occurs in all groups, since
people like to associate with others based on common interests, hobbies, back-
ground, etc. But in its extreme, it may reflect deep divisions in a group of people
and destroy their ability to function as a unit. For example, during the 12-man
International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic [Rivolier et al., 1991; Taylor,
1991], subgroups formed along national lines. This resulted in group conflicts,
characterized by irritability, aggressiveness, subgroup competition, and lack of
mutual concern. In Biosphere 2 [Walford et al., 1996], the eight-person crew
divided into two factions (each composed of two men and two women). One group
was loyal to the program management, whereas the other group viewed
management more negatively. The resulting personal differences between these
groups were at times intense. Similar subgrouping occurred in the four-person crew
involved with the 60-day EXEMSI isolation mission [Vaernes, 1993]. Palinkas et al.
[2000] described a pattern of subgrouping in the Antarctic where crewmembers
formed cliques based upon where in the station they spent most of their leisure time.
They termed these the “biomed”, “library”, and “bar” subgroups. Interestingly,
crews characterized by such a clique structure exhibited higher levels of tension-
anxiety, depression, and anger-hostility on the Profile of Mood States than crews
whose members identified more with the whole group. Subgrouping is a common
phenomenon, and if the subgroups do not interact with one another at least part of
the time, it sets up the potential for misunderstandings and miscommunication that
can negatively affect the mission.
In contrast, cohesion sometimes improves over time as people adjust to one
another, and anticipation of the mission can be worse than the mission itself. In a
study of seven men and women participating in a 3 week Arctic scientific expedi-
tion, Palinkas and his colleagues [1995] reported significantly higher tension levels
prior to the start of the mission than during the mission itself, where the crew-
members seemed to adapt to their situation. Similarly, in their 135-day Mir space
station simulation study, Kanas and his colleagues [1996] found significantly less
tension during the last half of the isolation than during the first half, and there was
significantly more tension in the group prior to entering the isolation chamber than
after the mission began. What distinguishes groups that do better over time from
those that do worse is unclear. In the Mir simulation study, subjects received
replacement computer parts, favorite foods, and letters from home during a mid-
mission resupply, and perhaps this positive event improved morale and cohesion. In
addition, this mission did not involve much danger, and there was the impression
that the crew learned to relax over time and enjoy the positive aspects of being
isolated away from the cares and woes of everyday life. More research needs to be
done in this area of group stages and what makes an isolated and confined
experience positive versus negative for the participants.
4.4. Language and dialect variations

4.4.1. Native language versus space terminology
When crewmembers are fluent in different native languages, their perceptions of the
interpersonal environment can be grossly affected. For example, astronaut Norm
Thagard commented that he felt socially and culturally isolated during his Mir
mission and that this was related to the fact that he was the only native English
speaker on-board. His fellow cosmonaut crewmembers were Russian, and Thagard
sometimes went up to 72 h without speaking to someone in his native language
[Benson, 1996]. Astronauts have stated that conversational language training is
important in missions involving international crews [Santy et al., 1993].
Language differences also have been found to affect crewmember interactions in
space analog environments on Earth. For example, language differences were impli-
cated in some of the group disintegration that was observed during the SFINCSS
project [Gushin and Pustinnikova, 2001]. Although English was the official
language, it was not native for some of the participants. The lack of pre-mission
language training, along with differences in communication styles, interfered with
effective communication between one of the groups and outside monitors [Gushin
et al., 2001].
In their survey of 54 astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space, Kelly
and Kanas [1992] found that all of the respondents acknowledged that it was
important for space crewmembers to be fluent in a common language, and 63%
believed that it was very important. International astronauts participating in U.S.
missions rated the importance of speaking a common dialect significantly lower
than their American and Russian counterparts. This may have been due to the fact
that most of the internationals were European and may have been exposed to more
languages in their lifetime. Crew communication was judged to be enhanced by a
sense the respondents had of undergoing a shared common experience during their
space missions.
Peeters and Sciacovelli [1996] have pointed out that native language is not the
only linguistic issue related to space missions. Astronauts and cosmonauts also must
be familiar with the specialized space terminology that is used during a mission.
NASA space terminology is derived from basic English and includes a set of
synonyms, acronyms, and neologisms related to this language. In contrast, Russian
space terminology has a different set of linguistic parameters, and so on for other
languages. It is possible that a common, unique space language will evolve over
time that will transcend the peculiarities of any single national language, especially
as a result of multinational space missions.
4.4.2. Problems related to language and dialect variations

Linguistic differences can lead to crew miscommunication. This may create serious
problems during crises and emergencies, where the need for prompt integrated crew
response is paramount in an environment producing anxiety and confusion. In their
survey of 54 astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space, Kelly and Kanas
[1992] found that astronauts scored significantly higher than cosmonauts on a scale
rating the importance of a common language, and pilots and commanders scored
significantly higher than researchers. This last finding may have reflected the con-
cern of pilots and commanders that people communicate clearly while performing
tasks of vital operational importance.
But subtle miscommunication can occur among people speaking the same native
language as well. During his 175-day Salyut 6 mission, Valeri Ryumin wrote in his
diary that comments uttered between him and his fellow Russian crewmember
sometimes took on special meaning, and even the tone was important [Chaikin,
1985]. He found it necessary to consider the consequences of his words in case
some miscommunication occurred that might have been offensive or unclear to his
crewmate. He also found that in space neither he nor his fellow cosmonaut was
talkative, and most of their communications related to work.
4.5. Crew size

4.5.1. The impact of size in small groups
Unlike other isolated and confined conditions (e.g., submarines, Antarctic bases),
space crews have tended to be small, generally consisting of fewer than eight
individuals. This puts a restriction on the number of dyadic contacts available,
which over the course of a long period of time may lead to a sense of interpersonal
boredom as the same stories get told and responses among crewmembers become
predictable. Thus, it is important to consider the impact of size on the behavior of
small groups when planning crew composition for a long-duration space mission.
In a classic study, Bales and Borgotta [1966] studied group size and social
interactions in a number of small groups consisting of two to seven people. The
groups were composed of male students who did not know each other before they
became involved with the study. The groups were given a five page presentation of
a problem, and they met for four sessions to discuss the issues and develop a plan of
action. Interpersonal interactions were analyzed using the Bales Interaction Process
Analysis. The intent of the study was to evaluate the impact of group size on group
performance and to examine effects associated with subgrouping.
Kanas and Feddersen [1971] carefully reviewed this complicated study and
came up with a number of conclusions. As group size increased, the members
became more organized and efficient, with a greater tendency for leaders and
followers to emerge. Two-man groups showed much tension resulting from an
inability to form a majority, and the men tended to differentiate from each other in a
complementary manner in order to maintain peace and stability. Three-man groups
showed more variety in interactions resulting from shifting majorities, with the odd
man out exhibiting either active or passive behavioral strategies to cope with his
isolation. Seven-man groups (the largest size studied) showed relative stability,
primarily as a result of passive acquiescence by a large number of followers to
decisions and courses of action. Even-numbered groups often formed even-
numbered subgroups which deadlocked, making decision-making difficult. In
general, variability in interactions tended to decrease over time, suggesting that time
caused stability of observed patterns.
4.5.2. Problems related to crew size

It should be noted that the above study was done in a student environment where no
formal leadership structure was imposed and where groups of males problem-solved
for four sessions. Consequently, it is difficult to project how these findings will be
applicable to long-duration space crews composed of men and women operating in
a structured setting with defined leadership roles and stressful conditions. However,
studies like this one point out that group size is another variable that should be
considered when composing a crew for a specific mission.
What can such a study tell us about the size of space crews? First, two-person
crews might be expected to exhibit tension, difficulties in solving interpersonal
problems, and progressive psychological separation and territorial behavior. In fact,
indications of these traits were reported during the 211-day Salyut 7 mission, where
in his diary cosmonaut Lebedev described interpersonal strains that he and his
fellow cosmonaut experienced as the mission wore on, which resulted in silences
and withdrawal [Lebedev, 1988]. Second, three-person crews can be very unstable
due to shifting alliances and a tendency of one person to be scapegoated or put in a
minority position. Although the three-man Apollo missions generally were
successful, they were highly structured and relatively short-term. But during the
longer-term three-person Shuttle/Mir missions, some of the American astronauts
reported a sense of social isolation, possibly due to the fact that they were a true
minority in their crew in many ways: only American, only native English-speaker,
only person not in the operational chain of command (Russian mission control was
responsible for the Mir, and the commander and engineer for all of the flights were
Russian cosmonauts). However, although groups of three seem to have dis-
advantages, they are to be preferred to groups of two. This is suggested in the
results of a study by Smith and Haythorn [1972], which showed that groups con-
sisting of three people work better under conditions of isolation and confinement
than two-person groups. Third, the larger the group, the greater the tendency for
leader-follower relationships to form, and the greater the stability. In odd-numbered
groups, there is less likelihood for deadlocking subgroups to form in situations
where non-leader directed activities are involved. Since future ISS or expeditionary
class space missions may involve crews consisting of six to eight individuals, one
might predict that on the basis of number alone, a crew of seven would be ideal
since this would be the largest odd-numbered crew size.
4.6. Leadership roles

4.6.1. Task versus supportive roles
The demands of a work group necessitate different types of leadership roles. During
space missions (and in many work groups on Earth), two major leadership roles
have been identified: (1) task (or instrumental) leadership, which is oriented toward
accomplishing work-related activities and addressing operational needs, and
(2) supportive (or expressive) leadership, which is oriented toward accomplishing
people-oriented activities and addressing emotional and morale needs. At times one
person fulfils both roles, but frequently different people specialize in one or the
other. Generally, the mission commander is the task leader, but not always. For
example, during the 96-day Salyut 6 mission, the commander was younger and less
experienced than his older crewmate in the engineering skills that were needed to
repair the space station, and the two men decided to share decision-making in order
to successfully accomplish the mission goals [Oberg, 1981].
In their review of leadership characteristics from four space analog environ-
ments (aviation, polar bases, submersibles, and expeditions), Nicholas and Penwell
[1995] concluded that an effective leader profile included a focus on mission
objectives and the ability to take charge during critical situations (which is
suggestive of the task role alluded to above), and a sensitivity to the crewmembers’
expertise and personal qualities and attention to group harmony and cohesion
(which is suggestive of the supportive role). Additional positive leader

characteristics included optimism, hard work, and the ability to gain the respect of
others.
Different leadership roles may be especially important at different times. For
example, in early Antarctic missions, the task role of the leader was important
initially, since setting up the base and organizing work-related activities needed to
be accomplished. With the onset of the wintering-over period, however, the
supportive role of the leader became more important as morale dropped due to
inactivity and the need for structured tasks lessened [Gunderson and Nelson, 1963;
Nelson, 1964].
Both task and supportive leadership roles are important for crew functioning at
some point in the mission. In the HUBES study of a three-man crew confined in the
Mir simulator in Moscow for 135 days, measures of leader control (addressing task-
oriented, instrumental characteristics) and leader support (addressing supportive,
expressive qualities) each correlated significantly with a measure of crew cohesion
[Kanas et al., 1996]. During the Bering Bridge expedition, there was a positive
relationship between measures of group cohesiveness and perceptions of the quality
of decision-making that emphasized the role of the leaders in promoting group
morale [Leon, 1991]. There were conflicts between the more experienced and
conciliatory Soviet leader and the more stubborn and task-oriented U.S. leader, and
these conflicts upset the overall cohesiveness of the group [Leon et al., 1994].
4.6.2. Problems related to leadership roles

The expression of unclear or inappropriate leadership role at the wrong time can
produce role confusion, which can result in group performance problems or in
competition between crewmembers. Overt competition occurred during the 60-day
EXEMSI hyperbaric study between the designated leader, who continued to
emphasize his task role, and another crewmember [Vaernes, 1993]. The lone female
crewmember, who was more supportive and sensitive to emotional needs,
intervened and was successful in moderating and defusing the dispute.
In the 135-day HUBES study, Kanas and his colleagues [1996] found a
significant drop in a measure of the task-oriented, instrumental characteristics of the
mission commander over time. This suggested that status leveling was occurring,
where the leader assumed a more equal stance in relation to the other crewmembers.
Compared with pre-seclusion scores, the leader was seen as being more supportive
of his fellow crewmembers during the confinement, and both his task and
supportive characteristics were correlated with crew cohesion. Status leveling also
has been reported in the Antarctic, where the leader sometimes has been viewed
more democratically as a member of the crew during the wintering-over period
[Gunderson and Nelson, 1963; Nelson, 1964]. Although morale-enhancing during
unstructured or monotonous times, status leveling may lead to inadequate responses
during busy periods or in times of danger when a more formal command structure is
called for.
4.7. Crew-ground interactions

4.7.1. Ingroup versus outgroup issues
The relationship between crewmembers in space and mission control personnel on
the ground is very important, especially during near-Earth missions such as those
involving the Space Shuttle or Soyuz spacecraft, the ISS, or even flights to the
Moon. People on the ground frequently set the schedules for such missions, and
they provide key support in solving problems that occur in space. If they are not
sensitive to the specific demands and needs of a space crew, there is a danger that
they may overload them with activities or misinterpret their requests.
There also is information that during long-term conditions of isolation and
confinement, crewmembers may become more autonomous and want to separate
from the influences of outside monitoring personnel. For example, during the 90-
day ECOPSY and the 135-day HUBES isolation studies in Moscow, Gushin and his
colleagues [1997] analyzed the communication frequencies and patterns between
the crewmembers and people on the outside who monitored their activities. The
results suggested that the isolated crews were becoming more autonomous over “
time, a phenomenon that the research team called “psychological closing . The
crewmembers seemed to filter the information they communicated outwardly. In
addition, communication patterns varied with different outside teams that were
scheduled to be on-duty. The authors concluded that their isolated groups became
more self-sufficient and began to rely on their own resources due to the isolated
living conditions. Results such as these suggest that space mission planners may
need to consider growing crew autonomy as an important factor for long-duration
missions (e.g., a trip to Mars).
Positive communications with mission control personnel or family and friends
on the ground can be very supportive to crewmembers. In their survey of 54
astronauts and cosmonauts, Kelly and Kanas [1993] found that the respondents
rated a shared experience and a mutual excitement for space flight as two factors
that significantly helped their communication with mission control personnel. They
further acknowledged the value of contact with loved ones on the ground as having
a positive influence on mission performance. Also, space travelers who spent 20 or
more total days in space endorsed the value of letters and other forms of contact
with people on Earth significantly more than their colleagues who spent less time in
space [Kelly and Kanas, 1994], which suggests that supportive crew-ground
interactions are even more beneficial during long-duration space missions.
4.7.2. Displacement
Sometimes other factors disrupt the relationship between isolated individuals and
people on the outside. For example, there have been reports from space analog
studies that isolated individuals have become irrationally angry at people monitoring
their behavior, especially during tense times when anger is not expressed between
the confined crewmembers themselves [Dunlap, 1965; Jackson et al., 1972;
McDonnell Douglas, 1968]. This suggests that what is happening is a displacement
or transfer of intra-crew tension and negative dysphoric emotions to safer, more
remote individuals on the outside, an idea proposed by Kanas and Feddersen [1971]
in their review of space analog environments. Behavior suggestive of displacement

also occurred during the 60-day EXEMSI space simulation project [Vaernes, 1993]
and during the 135-day Mir simulation study [Kanas et al., 1996].
Evidence of displacement also has been reported from space. For example,
during his 211-day mission, cosmonaut Lebedev [1988] reported in his diary that he
felt increasing frustration with people on the ground, while at the same time he
recorded on-board tension between himself and his fellow cosmonaut that was not
overtly expressed or discussed between the two of them. Sometimes this anger with
the ground was related to a perceived change in the voice quality of people on
Earth. In particular, Lebedev stated that a physician friend of his seemed to become
more strident and sharper with him as the mission wore on, which puzzled and
annoyed him since there was no rational explanation for this change.
By moving the focus of their on-board problems to the outside, crewmembers
may experience temporary relief. However, the source of the problems may not be
dealt with, allowing them to fester. So in the long run, displacement may be harmful
to crewmembers and their ability to live and work together during the remainder of
the mission. The same goes for mission control personnel, who may react to work
pressures on the ground by displacing tension and unpleasant dysphoric emotions to
management or even to the crewmembers in space.
4.7.3. Problems related to crew-ground interactions

Problems related to lack of empathy, over-scheduling, growing crew autonomy,
psychological closing, or displacement can lead to crew-ground miscommunication
and perceived lack of support. Information filtration was discussed in Section 4.7.1.
In their survey of nine astronauts, Santy and her colleagues [1993] found three
reported incidents of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or interpersonal
conflict that involved the crewmembers’ interactions with people on the ground.
Also, during the American 3-month Skylab space station mission, the crewmembers
were under pressure to comply with a busy activity schedule, and they perceived
members of mission control as being unsupportive. As crew-ground tensions
increased, the crewmembers conducted a work stoppage, which was tantamount to a
strike in space [Belew, 1977; Cooper, 1976]. After a crew-ground “bull session” to
clear the air, the schedule was modified and the mission continued. However, such
conflict between crewmembers and mission control could be catastrophic, especially
if it occurred during a crisis, and it is important for crewmembers and personnel in
mission control to continually monitor their interpersonal interactions.
4.8. Empirical findings from space: ISS operations challenges

as seen by junior and senior mission control personnel
Missions to the International Space Station (ISS) are complex from an operational
perspective, and the mission control team bears much of the responsibility resulting
from this complexity. Currently, personnel located at mission control sites in the
United States, Russia, and elsewhere are involved. The team is multi-national and
multi-organizational, the members are dispersed across many locations and time
zones, the schedules are demanding, and both junior and senior personnel must
interact together with a minimum of psychosocial training. For the safety of the
missions and optimal crew-ground interactions, it is important to understand how
people on the ground view these operational challenges, especially those with
relatively little experience. This was the goal of a study conducted by Clement and
his colleagues [Clement and Ritsher, 2005; Clement et al., 2007a, 2007b]. The
purpose was to identify and evaluate the major cultural and leadership challenges
faced by ISS flight controllers and to highlight the approaches found effective in
surmounting these challenges.
4.8.1. Procedures
A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted on 14 senior and 12 junior
flight control personnel who were involved in various aspects of mission planning
and day-to-day operations of the ISS at the Johnson Space Center in Houston,
Texas. The interview questions addressed various leadership and cultural issues and
challenges as well as further training that the subjects felt they needed [Clement and
Ritsher, 2005]. The senior sample consisted of 13 men and 1 woman who were
mostly in their 40s and had worked as mission controllers in several programs,
including early Space Shuttle flights, Shuttle missions to the Mir Space Station, and
the ISS program. The junior sample consisted of 6 men and 6 women who were
mostly in their 20s and had worked primarily in the ISS program. Written and
verbal responses to the study questions were collected and categorized into
emergent themes by a consensus of the research team. Significant differences
between the senior and junior subjects were looked for in terms of the frequency
in types of responses.
4.8.2. Results
Significantly more senior than junior controllers stated that maintaining team morale
and motivation in the mission control environment was an important leadership
challenge, and they also perceived change as a factor affecting their work. They
were more likely than their junior colleagues to be concerned that the current two-
country (U.S. and Russian) solutions may not be effective in future multinational
situations. Although not statistically significant, there was a stronger trend for
junior controllers to see language differences as a major cultural challenge,
and to acknowledge the importance of expandng cultural awareness as a solution
to operational challenges. Both groups strongly saw cultural differences,
organizational differences, and the dispersion of team members across time zones as
important challenges. Both groups also viewed effective communications, robust
interpersonal relationships (particularly with their Russian counterparts), and open-
mindedness as important solutions to the various challenges in their work.
4.8.3. Conclusions
These results suggest that the day-to-day operational tasks involved with managing
on-orbit space missions are full of many leadership and cultural challenges. How
these challenges are viewed and dealt with depend in part on the experience level of
the mission control personnel. Senior controllers who have been involved with
several different space programs are more likely to be sensitive to changes in team
morale that result from programmatic changes and complexities. In contrast, their
less experienced and younger colleagues, who have primarily worked in one
program, tended to be more concerned with language differences and cultural
sensitivities, although both groups acknowledged cultural and organizational
differences and the need for everyone to communicate effectively as being
important.
Certainly, being aware of operational challenges is important, and a way to
heighten awareness is through improved training in psychosocial and cultural issues.
However, trainers need to be aware of attitudinal differences between senior and
junior controllers in order to more effectively meet the needs of both groups. In
addition, managers need to pay careful attention to the importance of cultural,
language, and organizational differences, and they need to minimize the negative
impact of distance and inflexible interpersonal interactions on team morale and
communications. Since more countries will be involved with ISS missions in the
future, it is important to obtain feedback from their controllers as well and to
consider training packages where they can be trained jointly with counterparts from
other nations. In this way, many of the challenges cited above can be exposed and
dealt with before they can compromise mission safety and success.
4.9. Empirical findings from space: human interactions

during the Shuttle/Mir program
4.9.1. Procedures
Many of the above interpersonal issues were examined during a 4½-year NASA-
funded study in the late 1990s that evaluated the effects of tension, cohesion,
leadership role, and displacement from a series of space missions conducted during
the Shuttle/Mir Program.1 This program was viewed as Phase 1 of the International
Space Station (the construction and operation of which were referred to as Phase 2
and 3, respectively). Shuttle/Mir provided an opportunity for American astronauts
and Russian cosmonauts to work together in space for long periods of time.
Altogether, seven Americans and 17 Russians participated in this program over a
span of 4 years [Uri and Lebedev, 2000].
The U.S. and Russian launches to the Mir were staggered in time, but generally
there was one American and two Russians on-board. The commander was always a
cosmonaut. Operational decisions between the cosmonauts and mission control in
Moscow usually were in the Russian language. On-board activities included routine
maintenance of the spacecraft, material and life sciences research, observations of
the Earth, space walks, and exercise and physical conditioning. The crewmembers
1
The international investigative team was from the University of California and the Veterans Affairs
Medical Center in San Francisco (Nick Kanas, M.D., Principal Investigator; Charles Marmar, M.D.;
Daniel Weiss, Ph.D.; Alan Bostrom, Ph.D.; Ellen Grund, M.S.; and Philip Petit, M.S.), and the Institute for
Biomedical Problems in Moscow (Vyacheslav Salnitskiy, Ph.D.; Vadim Gushin, M.D.; Olga Kozerenko,
M.D.; and Alexander Sled, M.S.). The study was supported by NASA Contract #NAS9-19411.
worked the same shift, and time was set aside for them to eat together. Leisure time
activities included television downlinks and e-mail with family and friends on Earth.
Breakdowns of vital equipment on the Mir (e.g., oxygen generator, coolant system)
and two life-threatening accidents (an on-board fire and a collision with a Progress
resupply spacecraft) led to stressful periods of time. But these issues were resolved,
and mission goals generally were accomplished.
Due to the interest in examining displacement and the crew-ground relationship,
both crewmembers and mission control personnel were involved with the study. The
formal hypotheses dealt with a number of important interpersonal issues and are
listed in Table 4.5. Participation in the study was voluntary, and all enrolled
subjects signed informed consent. The final study sample consisted of five U.S.
astronauts, eight Russian cosmonauts, and 42 U.S. and 16 Russian mission control
personnel (that included flight surgeons, operations leads, engineers, mission
scientists, spacecraft communicators, hardware specialists, and psychological
support personnel). Crewmembers were on-board the Mir for periods of time
ranging from 4 to 7 months.
The emotional state and interpersonal relationships of the subjects were assessed
through the completion of a study questionnaire that consisted of items from three
well-known and standardized instruments: the seven subscales from the Profile of
Mood States (POMS) [McNair et al., 1992], the ten subscales from the Group
Environment Scale [Moos, 1994a], and four relevant subscales from the Work
Environment Scale [Moos, 1994b]. The subscales that were used in the study are
listed in Table 4.6. A Critical Incident Log also was included that asked subjects to
describe and rate important events that had occurred in the past week. Four times
pre-mission, weekly during the mission, and twice post-mission, subjects completed
the study questionnaire, which took 15–20 min. While on the Mir space station,
crew subjects completed a computerized version of the questionnaire and saved
their data to an optical disk for later return to Earth. The mission control subjects
preferred to use hardcopy versions that were mailed to the study center in San
Francisco. There were a total of 212 observations from the crewmembers and 1,088
observations from the mission control personnel. Data were analyzed using
Table 4.5. Shuttle/Mir Human Interactions Study Hypotheses.
1. Crew cohesion will decrease in the second half of the missions.
2. Crew tension will increase in the second half of the missions.
3. Crew perception of crew leader and mission control support will

decrease in the second half of the missions.
4. Mission control perception of mission control leader and management

support will decrease in the second half of the missions.
5. Crew tension and dysphoria will be displaced to mission control

personnel.
6. Mission control tension and dysphoria will be displaced to management.

Table 4.6. Subscales Used During the Shuttle/Mir Human Interactions Study.
Profile of Mood States (POMS)
Tension-Anxiety Fatigue-Inertia
Depression-Dejection Confusion-Bewilderment
Anger-Hostility Total Mood Disturbance
Vigor-Activity
Group Environment Scale (GES)
Cohesion Self Discovery
Leader Support Anger & Aggression
Expressiveness Order & Organization
Independence Leader Control
Task Orientation Innovation
Work Environment Scale (WES)
Supervisor Support Managerial Control
Work Pressure Physical Comfort
regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test procedures. Because there

were a total of 21 subscales analyzed, corrections were made to control for possible
Type I errors (where significant findings may occur by chance due to the large
number of analyses being made) [Benjamini and Hochberg, 1995]. For analyses
using regression techniques, normally distributed or transformed subscales were
analyzed using a mixed model [Delucchi and Bostrom, 1999; Littell et al., 1996].
Non-normally distributed subscales were dichotomized into high and low scores and
were analyzed using a Generalized Estimating Equation [Liang and Zeger, 1986].
4.9.2. Results
Using a piecewise linear regression analysis, none of the subscales used to test for
second half score decrements as predicted by hypotheses 1, 2, and 4 resulted in
significant findings. However, one of the two subscales used to test hypothesis 3,
Leader Support in crewmembers, showed the predicted significant decrease in scores
during the second half [Kanas et al., 2001c].
Time effects other than first half/second half also were tested for crewmembers
using regression techniques. Neither a high-low-high “U-shaped” pattern nor an
overall linear increase or decrease in the scores over time throughout the missions
was found on any subscale for all crewmembers or for Russians alone. However, for
the Americans alone, the subscale for Order & Organization showed a significant
triphasic U-shaped pattern, indicating higher scores at the beginning and the end of
the missions. In addition, for the Americans alone, there was a significant linear
decline in Cohesion as the mission progressed, and significant non-linear declines in
Task Orientation and Self Discovery during the middle and end of the missions
[Kanas et al., 2001b]. These findings suggested that a novelty effect occurred for the
Americans, where they exhibited high scores on several measures in the first few
weeks that then dropped as the mission progressed and the astronauts became more
familiar with their tasks and the on-orbit environment.
Using one-way ANOVAs, scores also were examined for the 21 subscales
across the four quarters of the missions to look for the third quarter phenomenon
(see above, Section 4.3.1) and to see if any single quarter gave unique scores. There
were no significant quarter differences for all crewmembers or for Russians alone
[Kanas et al., 2001a, 2001c]. American crewmembers gave significantly higher
mean scores in the earlier versus later quarters for Task Orientation and Self
Discovery, a pattern reminiscent of the linear trends described above in the
regression analysis.
Using one-way ANOVAs, crewmember responses for the 21 subscales during
the on-orbit phase of the missions were compared to their pre-launch baseline scores
and to their post-return scores. There were no significant differences in the mood
subscales among the on-orbit and pre- and post-mission periods for all
crewmembers combined or for U.S. and Russian subjects taken separately [Kanas
et al., 2001b]. However, the crewmembers reported higher levels of Self Discovery
and Innovation prior to launch, and higher levels of Work Pressure during the
missions [Ritsher et al., 2007].
Strong support was found for the presence of displacement effects (hypotheses 5
and 6) using a regression analysis [Kanas et al., 2001c]. Based on previous space
simulation work [Kanas et al., 1996], displacement was defined operationally as
occurring when there were significantly lower levels of perceived support from
outside supervisors on the Supervisor Support subscale during periods of higher
intra-group tension and dysphoria, as measured by the following six subscales:
Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Total Mood Disturbance,
Anger & Aggression, and Work Pressure. Predicted significant negative
relationships were found between all of these subscales and Supervisor Support
when all subjects were analyzed together. Table 4.7 shows that there were no
differences between crew and ground subjects except for Work Pressure, where the
predicted negative relationship reached significance for crewmembers alone but not
for the mission control subjects, although there was a non-significant trend in the
predicted direction.
Overall differences in response between Americans and Russians and between
crew and ground subjects were examined using a two-way ANOVA [Kanas et al.,
2000a, 2000b]. In terms of nationality, the U.S. subjects seemed less satisfied with
their interpersonal and work environments than the Russians. As seen in Table 4.8
(see Section 4.10.2), Americans reported significantly higher scores on the
subscales measuring Work Pressure and Vigor-Activity, and Russians scored higher
on measures of Task Orientation, Managerial Control, Leader Support, Self
Discovery, and Physical Comfort. In terms of location (Table 4.9, Section 4.10.2),
Table 4.7. Subscales Showing Significant* Negative Relationships with Outside Supervisor
Support (Suggesting the Presence of Displacement).
Relationship with Supervisor Support Subscale

Subscale Crewmembers Mission Control Personnel
Tension-Anxiety Negative, significant Negative, significant
Depression-Dejection Negative, significant Negative, significant
Anger-Hostility Negative, significant Negative, significant
Total Mood Disturbance Negative, significant Negative, significant
Anger & Aggression Negative, significant Negative, significant

Work Pressure Negative, significant Negative, trend (p = .087)
* p-values were less than the adjusted significance level threshold of p = .05
[Benjamini and Hochberg, 1995].
mission control subjects scored significantly higher than crewmembers on four

measures of unpleasant dysphoric emotions: Tension-Anxiety, Fatigue-Inertia,
Confusion-Bewilderment, and Total Mood Disturbance. However, both crew and
ground groups scored significantly lower on these dysphoric subscales than
comparable work groups from other studies on Earth [Kanas et al., 2000a, 2000b,
2001b]. In terms of the interaction of nationality and location, for three subscales
(Leader Support, Expressiveness, and Independence), Russian crewmembers scored
higher than their American counterparts, and Russian ground subjects scored lower
than Americans. For all three of these significant subscales, U.S. astronauts scored
the lowest.
T-test analyses of the on-orbit data for all 21 subscales were conducted that
compared crewmember mean scores with published means from similar work
groups on Earth [McNair et al., 1992; Moos, 1994a, 1994b]. For six of the seven
POMS mood state variables, the crewmembers endorsed significantly less dysphoria
than the normative samples. The exception was Vigor-Activity, where there was no
difference. The crewmembers also scored lower on measures of group
Expressiveness, Independence, Anger & Aggression, and Innovation; and higher on
measures of Cohesion, Leader Control, and Managerial Control [Kanas et al.,
2001b]. These significant subscale differences were similar for Russian and
American crewmembers alone when compared with the normative samples.
In a series of post-hoc analyses, we examined the relationship between both the
task and support role of the leader and their effects on group cohesion [Kanas and
Ritsher, 2005]. Since both leadership roles have been felt to be important in space
analog missions (see Section 4.6), we expected that both would correlate with a
measure of cohesion during a series of missions to the Mir space station. Using a
mixed model linear regression procedure, we found a significantly positive
relationship in crewmembers between Leader Support and Cohesion but not
between Leader Control and Cohesion. These findings were true for all
crewmembers, American astronauts alone, and Russian cosmonauts alone. For

mission control personnel, there were significantly positive relationships between
Leader Support and Cohesion and between Leader Control and Cohesion; these
findings held for all mission control subjects, Americans alone, and Russians alone.
A content analysis was made of the Critical Incident Log findings [Kanas et al.,
2001a]. Crewmembers contributed 4% of the total number of critical incidents, and
mission control subjects contributed 96%. Notably, a few of the more verbal
participants contributed over half of the responses. Because of this sample response
skewing, and the fact that subjects sometimes gave more than one response per
questionnaire, it was not possible to statistically test for critical incident effects.
However, a descriptive analysis leads to some suggestive trends. Seven of the 13
incidents reported by the U.S. astronauts concerned interpersonal problems that
affected their group (e.g., feeling unsupported by other crewmembers, conflicts with
mission control personnel), and the other 6 pertained to negative events on-board
the Mir (e.g., accidents, equipment failures). The only two Russian cosmonaut
responses were from the same person, who cited two negative events on-board the
Mir that threatened the physical environment. For the American mission control
respondents, 49 of their 106 reported incidents were related to interpersonal
problems that affected their group (e.g., disagreements with each other, the leader,
crewmembers, or Russian colleagues), and 16 pertained to negative events on-board
the Mir (e.g., accidents, equipment failures). For the Russian mission control
respondents, 86 of their total of 273 responses were related to negative events on-
board the Mir (e.g., accidents, equipment failures), and 60 pertained to inadequate
resources and delays in receiving their salary due to fiscal problems in Russia.
4.10. Empirical findings from space: human interactions

during the International Space Station (ISS) program
4.10.1. Procedures
As the Shuttle/Mir Program was winding down, an opportunity presented to
replicate this study during the construction of the new International Space Station
(ISS). In addition, with plans to expand the crew of the ISS to include participants
from countries other than the United States and Russia, it became important to study
the impact of language and cultural issues on the performance and well-being of
international space crews living and working on-orbit. To accomplish these goals,
the members of the Shuttle/Mir investigative team (see footnote to Section 4.9.1)
submitted a research proposal to study crew-ground interactions during construction
missions involving the ISS. This multi-year propsal was funded by NASA in 1998
(#NAS9-98093 and #NCC-0161).
Many of the hypotheses and procedures for this ISS study were similar to those
described in Section 4.9.1, except that based on the Shuttle/Mir findings, it was
predicted that there would be no second half changes in crew cohesion and tension
and no second half changes in crew and mission control perception of leader and
outside supervisor support.
There were a number of differences between the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies.
First, in the former, American and Russian mission control subjects all were located
at TsUP in Moscow, but in the latter there were two additional mission control
centers in the United States: one at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas
(responsible for operations) and one at the Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Alabama (responsible for science and other payloads). Now, all ground
subjects could be studied in their more familiar home countries. Second, the ISS
crewmembers in a given mission all launched and returned together rather than
being staggered in time, as had been the case in the Shuttle/Mir study. Interpersonal
dynamics could now be examined in a closed group of people who were together
throughout the mission. Third, the 3-person ISS crews varied in national
representation, some having two Russian cosmonauts and one American astronaut,
and others having two American astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut. In contrast,
the 3-person Shuttle/Mir crews all consisted of two Russians and one American.
The impact of nationality versus minority status during on-orbit missions could now
be unconfounded, which was not possible in the Shuttle/Mir study. Fourth, some
ISS missions had a Russian commander and some had an American commander,
whereas in Shuttle/Mir the commander was always a Russian. Fifth, due to the
disruption of the Space Shuttle launches stemming from the Columbia accident, the
smaller Russian Soyuz was used temporarily to transport crewmembers into orbit.
Due to space limitations, only two crewmembers could be launched. Consequently,
some of the ISS missions that were studied had only two crewmembers (one
American and one Russian), whereas others (prior to the accident) had three crew-
members. Finally, the ISS missions had a major American operational influence,
whereas the Shuttle/Mir missions were largely under Russian control. Given these
differences between the Shuttle/Mir and ISS mission profiles, if the results were
similar across these two studies, then it could be inferred that they would be
applicable to future on-orbit missions as well. If the results were different, then the
impact of program-specific characteristics needed to be examined more closely.
Like in the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS missions were 4–7 months in duration and
contained crews that included at least one American and one Russian. Due to the
Columbia accident and other delays, which impacted on the construction schedule,
missions could not be studied that involved non-U.S. and non-Russian participants
who were in space for longer than one month duration, which was the minimum
time for a crewmember to be included in the study protocol. Eight ISS crews were
given an informed consent briefing related to the study, and seven agreed to
participate. The final study sample consisted of four missions with 3-person crews
and three missions with 2-person crews. One person chose not to participate, but
data were collected from the rest of that crew. Crewmembers were in their 30s–50s,
as is typical of the population of active astronauts and cosmonauts. In all, the
subject sample included 17 crewmembers (8 Americans and 9 Russians; 15 men and
2 women) and 108 American and 20 Russian mission control personnel.
As in the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS crewmembers and mission control subjects
rated their emotional state and social climate weekly using elements from three
scales: the Profile of Mood States or POMS [McNair et al., 1992], the Group
Environment Scale or GES [Moos, 1994a], and the Work Environment Scale or
WES [Moos, 1994b]. The same subscales were tested as are shown in Table 4.6,
with the exception of Physical Comfort, which was deleted in the ISS study due to
debriefing opinions expressed from some of the Shuttle/Mir subjects that the
questions in this subscale were irrelevant for on-orbit space station environments.
Scores on the remaining 20 subscales were used to test ISS study hypotheses. The
questionnaire for both crew and ground subjects was completed every Wednesday
for 4 weeks prior to launch, during the mission, and 2 weeks after return to Earth.
During the missions, the overall compliance rate for completion by the crew-
members was 82%.
Second half time effects, displacement, cultural differences, and leadership role
were analyzed using methods similar to those used in the Shuttle/Mir study. None of
the ISS variables required transformation because the residuals from mixed model
analyses were considered normally distributed. Corrections to reduce the risk of
Type I errors were employed using the procedure recommended by Benjamini and
Hochberg [1995].
4.10.2. Results
Using a mixed-model linear regression analysis, there were no changes in the slopes
of the subscales used to measure crewmember cohesion, tension, or leader support
in either the 1st or 2nd halves of the missions; that is to say, none of the slopes
showed a significant deviation from a horizontal line with a slope of zero [Kanas
et al., 2007]. These results suggested the absence of 2nd half (and 1st half) decrements
during the course of the missions. In further analyses using ANOVAs, there were
likewise no differences in mean crewmember scores in any of the 20 subscales
across the four quarters of the missions. In comparing the 3rd quarter means against
the means for the other three quarters pooled together, there again were no
significant differences, except for the Independence subscale, which was higher in
the 3rd quarter. However, this finding was in the opposite direction from what
would be predicted to test for a negative third quarter phenomenon. The failure to
find time dependent findings essentially replicated the time results from the
Shuttle/Mir study.
Unlike the Shuttle/Mir study, there was no evidence to suggest the presence of a
novelty effect in our ISS study for the American (or Russian) crewmembers. They
seemed to adapt to the ISS environment and showed no significant subscale
differences in the first few weeks versus the rest of the mission.
Also unlike the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS crewmembers were more positive in
their mood states during the mission than before launch (i.e., they had lower scores
in Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue-Inertia,
Confusion-Bewilderment, and Total Mood Disturbance), and they did not score
Work Pressure as being higher during the missions. Like the Shuttle/Mir
crewmembers, their Self Discovery and Innovation scores were higher prior to
launch, although their levels of Managerial Control were higher during the missions
[Ritsher et al., 2007].
Exploratory analyses were conducted to look for a potential relationship
between individual mean scale scores and mission duration. Pearson correlations
indicated that there was no significant relationship between the length of the
missions (within the 4–7 month range in the study sample) and average scores on
the 20 subscale measures. Descriptively, none of the corresponding scatter plots
showed signs of any meaningful relationships. Taken together, these analyses
suggested that it was unlikely that differential time effects existed between the
longer and shorter missions that were included in the study.
As in the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS results found evidence to support the
displacement construct [Kanas et al., 2007]. All six of the relationships between
variables measuring tension/negative moods and perceived support from outside
supervisors were in the predicted negative direction, after correcting for possible
Type I errors. In a secondary set of analyses to evaluate whether these relationships
might be different for crewmembers versus mission control personnel, the results
showed a statistically significant interaction for four of the six relationships
(Tension-Anxiety, Anger-Hostility, Total Mood Disturbance, and Work Pressure),
each of which showed a stronger effect among crewmembers than among mission
control personnel. Estimates for crew and ground subjects analyzed separately
showed that for all of these variables, the effect was in the predicted direction and
statistically different from zero, except for the relationship between Tension-
Anxiety and Supervisor Support among mission control personnel, which was in the
predicted direction but not statistically significant. Taken together, these findings
suggest that the displacement effect was present in both crewmembers and mission
control personnel, but that it was stronger for the former than the latter.
Using ANOVA methods, Russian-American and crew-ground differences were
tested for all of the subscales. In terms of a main effect for Country, there were
similarities between the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies that suggested the presence of
cultural differences between the American and Russian subjects. The two-study
Table 4.8. Subscales Showing Significant Mean Score Differences Between American
and Russian Subjects. Subscales that showed significant mean score differences
in the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies. Bold indicates that the higher pair score is
significant, after applying the correction to reduce the possibility of Type I error
[Benjamini and Hochberg, 1995]. Adapted from Kanas et al. [2006].
Shuttle/Mir Study (Means) ISS Study (Means)

Subscale American Russian American Russian
Tension-Anxiety 4.97 7.10 4.11 8.04
Work Pressure 7.75 5.38 6.63 4.06
Task Orientation 7.43 8.41 7.94 8.31
Managerial Control 5.31 6.75 5.90 6.52
Leader Support 5.66 7.51 7.67 6.89
Self Discovery 2.01 4.53 3.79 4.22
Vigor-Activity 19.33 17.41 15.07 15.27
Physical Comfort 1.49 2.86 Not Tested
comparisons are shown in Table 4.8, where statistically significant Russian-

American subscale differences are listed. Although there were seven significant
differences in the Shuttle/Mir study and two in the ISS study, all but two of the
corresponding non-significant pair comparisons that were tested trended in the same
way as those that reached significance (exception: Leader Support and Vigor-
Activity in the ISS study). Perhaps if the subject numbers had been greater, some of
these trends may have reached significance due to the enhanced statistical power.
Table 4.9 gives the results for the subscales that showed a statistically significant
main effect for Location for the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies. There again are many
similarities in findings across the two studies, especially among the dysphoric
subscales shown at the top. This suggests that the crewmembers experienced less
emotional discomfort than mission control personnel in their work environment.
Crewmembers in the ISS study also reported having more vigor, innovative
experiences, and support from their leader (the mission commander), although they
also perceived having less task-related direction from their leader than people on the
ground.
In the Shuttle/Mir study, there were three subscales that showed significant
Country by Location interaction effects: Leader Support, Expressiveness, and
Independence. These findings were not replicated in the ISS study, since there were
no significant interaction effects for any of the subscales evaluated.
Table 4.9. Subscales Showing Significant Mean Score Differences Between

Crewmembers and Mission Control (MC) Subjects. Subscales that showed
significant mean score differences in the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies. Bold
indicates that the higher pair score is significant, after applying the correction to
reduce the possibility of Type I error [Benjamini and Hochberg, 1995]. Adapted
from Kanas et al. [2006].
Shuttle/Mir Study (Means) ISS Study (Means)
Subscale Crew MC Crew MC
Tension-Anxiety 4.18 7.89 3.81 8.35
Fatigue-Inertia 2.01 4.83 1.79 6.22
Confusion-Bewilderment 1.87 3.50 1.95 4.92
Total Mood Disturbance –6.30 10.48 –7.29 17.98
Anger-Hostility 2.54 5.84 2.03 6.26
Anger and Aggression 2.06 3.89 1.12 3.18
Vigor-Activity 18.09 16.32 18.32 14.36
Innovation 3.34 3.98 4.53 3.32
Leader Control 6.77 6.08 5.08 6.27
Leader Support 6.81 6.36 8.12 6.44

The Shuttle/Mir findings were replicated in the ISS study for leadership role.
Using mixed-model regression techniques, it was found that for all crewmembers,
Leader Support, but not Leader Control, was significantly related to Cohesion. This
pattern of results also was found for American astronauts alone and for Russian
cosmonauts alone. For all mission control subjects, both Leader Support and Leader
Control were significantly related to Cohesion; this was also the case for Americans
alone and Russians alone who worked in mission control environments.
Two raters analyzed the log entries from the ISS crewmember subjects and
coded their content into any of 17 categories. Eight subjects from both countries
provided 37 log entries, with one accounting for 22 entries. The content from the
log entries was broken down into a total of 92 ratings coded across all categories.
Coded ratings were re-categorized as having a reference to positive/negative/neutral
attributes or were related to expected onboard events. From the 92 critical incident
ratings, 21% contained positive attributes (e.g., holiday celebrations, actions that
bonded the crewmembers closer together), 17% contained reference to expected on-
board events (e.g., dockings, EVAs), 55% contained incidents having negative
attributes (e.g., interpersonal or psychological problems), and the remaining 7%
contained either neutral ratings or not enough information to analyze. Of those logs
containing incidents with negative attributes, 47% referred to interpersonal
problems (intra-crew, crew-ground, or with management), and 18% dealt with
psychological problems (e.g., tension, depression). In response to a question asking
how much the incident affected their personal level of tension, the crewmember
scores averaged between ratings of “no change” and “increased a little”. The results
were similar for a question asking how much the incident affected their group’s
level of tension. Because 53% of the subjects did not report a critical incident, and
because one subject accounted for 59% of the responses, one must be cautious in
interpreting these findings. Nevertheless, the responses suggested that both negative
and positive incidents occurred, causing both personal and group tension to fall or
rise on-board, and that interpersonal incidents were more common than
psychological or other negative incidents.
4.10.3. Culture and Language Questionnaire findings

Unlike the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS study included a new measure, the Culture and
Language Questionnaire, that evaluated the impact of various cultural and language
experiences and attitudes. Four of the items were Likert-type questions that asked
about the need for a common language and assessed each subject’s tolerance of
dialect differences, both in space crewmembers and in mission control personnel.
These items were from a previous study by Kelly and Kanas [1992]. Other questions
dealt with the number of languages spoken and different countries visited by the
respondents, the breadth of their ethnic experiences and interests, and the degree of
their knowledge of the people from the countries that were contributing to the ISS
program. Unlike the other measures used in this study, which were completed
weekly, this questionnaire was only given once, during pre-launch training.
Most of the items from the questionnaire were factor analyzed, and the resulting
factor structure produced four subscales that measured the degree to which
participants reported having social contact with other cultures, were knowledgeable
about ISS partner countries, had visited other countries, and had foreign language
skills. These subscales were summed to produce an overall score measuring
“cultural sophistication”. Not included in this score were the responses to the four
Kelly and Kanas “language flexibility” questions, which were analyzed separately.
On average, the crewmembers had higher cultural sophistication scores than
mission control personnel, with Russians scoring higher than Americans. These
differences were mainly due to the lower average score of the American mission
control respondents. In examining the associations between cultural sophistication
scores and the 20 mood and social climate variables, there was only one significant
finding: a negative association between the mean cultural sophistication score and
Supervisor Support for crewmembers.
In terms of language flexibility, the results showed that Americans scored
significantly higher than Russians on a question about the importance of mission
controllers having the same dialect of a common language. They also felt more
strongly that the crew should speak the same dialect of a common language.
4.11. Empirical findings from space: conclusions

from the Shuttle/Mir and International Space
Station human interactions studies
The results from the ISS study generally replicated those from the Shuttle/Mir
study. This strengthens confidence in the generalizability of the results for on-orbit
missions, despite the small number of crewmember subjects that are typical in space
station research. It also suggests that similar psychosocial factors apply to missions
near the Earth lasting 4–7 months in duration. We will discuss the findings in terms
of several broad categories.
4.11.1. Time effects

Like the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS study found no general changes in mood or
interpersonal environment over time in space, in contrast to some studies from space
analog environments on Earth but in support of others [Kanas et al., 1996; Steel and
Suedfeld, 1991; Wood et al., 1999, 2005]. This suggests that people who live and
work on-orbit do not routinely experience increased tension or decreased cohesion
during the 2nd half of the mission, nor do they exhibit the third quarter phenomenon.
Perhaps the excitement and potential danger of being on-orbit stimulated the
crewmembers in ways that prevented these decrements from developing as general
phenomena. This is not to say that an occasional crewmember did not display 2nd
half or 3rd quarter effects (which was the case for some individual subjects); rather,
these effects were not typical for the space crews that we studied.
Another possible explanation for this absence of time effects may be due to the
fact that the crewmembers were supported by space psychologists and flight
surgeons in mission control who utilized a variety of countermeasures to help them
deal with stress, boredom, and monotony (see Section 6.7). For example, they were
encouraged to communicate with family and friends on the ground via audio-video
links or e-mail, and gifts and letters were sent up from home during resupply
missions. These activities may have helped to blunt the effects of monotony and
homesickness on-orbit. In contrast, this intensity of support has been difficult to
maintain during some space analog missions on Earth, such as the winter-over
period in the Antarctic where communications and resupply opportunities are
limited by the harsh weather.
A final explanation for the lack of time effects during the on-orbit phase of the
missions may be related to the stringent selection criteria and intensive training that
astronauts and cosmonauts undergo prior to launch. These are people who are used
to dealing with stress in an emotionally calm and positive manner, reacting with less
lability than other people. In fact, they generally score lower on the negative
subscales (and higher on the positive subscales) than normative samples of people
in other work settings on Earth [Kanas et al., 2001a]. Furthermore, analyses of their
pre-flight versus in-flight emotions showed that for the ISS crewmembers, their
moods were more positive during the missions than before launch, where their
mood scores were similar to those of mission control personnel [Ritsher et al.,
2007]. Thus, it is possible that due to personality and training factors, space
crewmembers do not on average experience the extremes of homesickness and other
negative emotions during the course of a long mission as compared with participants
in space analog environments on the Earth, such as in submarines or polar bases. In
fact, they seem to thrive in the space environment.
American crewmembers experienced a novelty effect during the Shuttle/Mir
missions, which probably reflected the lack of experience that Americans had at the
time with space station missions. This effect was not present during the ISS
missions, as both Americans and Russians had by then gained more familiarity in
being on-orbit together for long periods of time. In fact, the higher Self Discovery
and Innovation scores reported by crewmembers prior to both Shuttle/Mir and ISS
missions suggest that more new learning occurred during pre-launch training than
during the time on-orbit. Although Work Pressure scores were higher post- rather
than pre-launch during Shuttle/Mir, this difference was not found during ISS,
perhaps due to the high level of Managerial Control. In addition, there were fewer
accidents and equipment breakdowns during the ISS program than during
Shuttle/Mir.
4.11.2. Displacement
As with the Shuttle/Mir study, the ISS results found evidence of displacement in
both crewmembers and mission control personnel. This effect appeared to be
stronger with the more isolated crewmember group. People use displacement to deal
with tension and other unpleasant feelings by blaming others for their own problems
and perceiving others as feeling negative toward them. Although providing
temporary relief, in the long run this strategy can cause additional interpersonal
problems with people who are being blamed, and it does not address the source of
the original conflict.
It would be better if people involved with space missions could learn to identify
the causes of intra-psychic and intra-group stress and learn strategies of coping with
these stressors directly. Countermeasures to reduce displacement need to be taught
pre-launch in sessions that involve both crewmembers and representatives from
their mission control support team. Each of these groups need time during the
course of the mission to self-monitor their emotions and group interactions and clear
the air of psychological and interpersonal stressors.
It is possible that crewmembers in space were in fact less supported by people in
mission control during the times that they were experiencing tension amongst
themselves. However, there was little evidence for this in the critical incident logs
that our subjects completed, in the daily reports generated by mission control
personnel, or in the post-mission debriefings. Consequently, the predicted negative
relationship between measures of tension and negative affect in space and perceived
lack of support from the ground was most likely due to the displacement construct
than to real events that occurred during the missions.
4.11.3. National and organizational culture

In looking at the results related to differences between Americans and Russians, the
findings from both studies suggested that compared with the Americans, the
Russians experienced less pressure on the job; more tension during the ISS missions;
and more direction, support, and self discovery during the Mir missions. These
findings may have been due to national cultural differences between these two
groups of people. For example, the American subjects might have felt more pressure
to perform than the Russians due to on-the-job expectations rooted in typical
American attitudes about competition and achievement.
However, it is also possible that these differences reflected organizational
cultures that are characteristic of the two space agencies. For example, it has been
suggested that the Russian space program utilizes fewer written procedures and
relies more on expert opinion from the ground to deal with problems than the
American space program [Clement and Ritsher, 2005; Committee on Space Biology
and Medicine, 1998; Ritsher, 2005]. In the Shuttle/Mir program, operations on the
Mir space station were Russian-directed and always had a Russian commander. The
American astronaut was in the minority in the three-person crew and had less of an
operational relevance. In addition, Americans up till then had less experience with
extended missions in space as compared with their Russian colleagues. Finally,
since most of the space-to-ground communications were in the Russian language,
the Americans might have felt a sense of discomfort and isolation. Thus, it is
understandable that Russians would have felt more comfortable and supported than
the Americans in the Mir program. In contrast, the ISS program had a decidedly
American style of operations. These complex missions were largely oriented toward
constructing the space station facility, so it would be expected that the Americans
would feel a great deal of work pressure to meet the busy construction goals. The
tension felt by the Russian crew and ground subjects could have reflected their lack
of familiarity with American operational tasks and procedures.
In both the Shuttle/Mir and ISS studies, the crewmembers reported having lower
levels of negative dysphoric emotions than mission control personnel, and in the ISS
study the crew experienced more vigor and innovation. The mood results may be
explained by personality differences between people who become astronauts and
cosmonauts and people who work in mission control, with the former
acknowledging less emotional distress in response to work stress than the latter. In
addition, people in mission control received less psychological support than the on-
orbit crewmembers. Finally, the astronauts and cosmonauts may have experienced
more elation and job satisfaction due to the thrill of being on-orbit and fulfilling
their dream of being in space, as compared with people on the ground whose work
was less novel and exciting by comparison. The opportunity to work on a new space
construction project may have accounted for the relatively high vigor and
innovation scores among the ISS crewmembers. But despite these differences from
one another, crewmembers and mission control personnel still scored lower on most
dysphoric subscales than samples of people on Earth who work in non-space related
activities.
4.11.4. Cultural and language experiences and attitudes

On the Cultural and Language Questionnaire, the ISS crewmembers scored higher in
cultural sophistication than mission control personnel, which might be expected
since they trained in various locations and interacted more with people from other
countries. American mission control personnel scored lower than the other groups,
which was a bit surprising given the diversified nature of American culture, but it
might have reflected the relative isolation of people from the United States in
comparison to their peers in Russia, whose country is bordered by other European
and Asian countries and who are therefore exposed to their cultures (as well as to
American culture through television and movies).
Americans scored significantly higher than Russians on the importance of
crewmembers and mission controllers both speaking the same dialect of a common
language. It is likely that the American subjects were less comfortable themselves
with speaking other languages than the Russians, and this might have accounted for
their relative discomfort with dialect differences. These findings are reminiscent of
those comparing American with international astronauts in the Kelly and Kanas
[1992] study (see Section 4.4.1)
4.11.5. Leadership roles

Both Shuttle/Mir and ISS mission control personnel acknowledged a relationship
between both the task and support roles of their leader and the cohesion of the
group. This was expected, since both of these leadership characteristics have been
shown to be important in the performance of other groups of people working
together under stressful conditions (see Section 4.6).
Although in both space station studies, the crewmembers perceived a
relationship between the support role of the leader and group cohesion, they did not
see a link between cohesion and the task role of the leader. Perhaps this was a
reflection of crew size. In crews consisting of only two or three people, each person
has specialized job skills that make him or her a leader in activities related to these
skills. There is less need for the kind of formal work-related leadership structure
that is found in larger groups. In addition, in such a small group one’s social support
system is limited, and it is important to be cordial and flexible to avoid feeling
isolated. Thus, group cohesiveness would be expected to be more sensitive to
support from the leader than to task-related activities.
4.11.6. Critical incidents

In the Shuttle/Mir study, all subject groups listed negative events taking place on-
board the aging Mir Space Station as an important source of critical incidents.
American crewmembers and mission control personnel also cited interpersonal
problems as being important, perhaps as a result of working in a program that was
operationally managed by people from another culture. Russian mission control
personnel mentioned resource and salary deficits as important, which reflected real
issues related to political changes in Russia and the fact that many of them had
delays in receipt of their salaries. These findings support the notion that negative
experiences that occur during long-duration space missions may be related more to
psychosocial pressures from the stressors related to the mission itself than to
individual personality weaknesses, suggesting that they may be prevented through
proper training and support or through an improved space capsule environment.
This may be the explanation for the fact that in the ISS study, nearly half of the
responses from the crewmembers mentioned neutral or even positive events. Most
of the negative events were due to interpersonal or psychological problems. The
majority of the critical incidents that reflected operational issues were expected
(e.g., dockings, EVAs), and there was a notable lack of emergencies or accidents in
comparison to the Shuttle/Mir responses. These differences probably reflected the
newer and improved environment on the ISS, in comparison with the aging Mir
Space Station. The increased number of total responses might have been due to the
higher frequency of positive experiences, or it may have reflected an increased
tendency of ISS subjects to respond to the critical incident log in comparison with
their Shuttle/Mir colleagues.
4.11.7. Implications for future space missions

These conclusions suggest a number of training countermeasures for future on-orbit
space missions. Since crewmembers and mission control personnel are dependent
upon each other during such missions, they should receive pre-launch psychosocial
education training together. Specific topic areas should include: ways to improve the
relationship between crew and ground personnel, dealing with crew tension and
displacement, the impact of national and organizational culture differences on
mission success, and ways of applying different leadership roles at appropriate
times. Computer-based training could be scheduled in space and on the ground
during the mission as a reminder and extension of the psychosocial training received
pre-launch. Commanders selected for missions should have demonstrated the ability
to be both task-oriented and supportive in previous space or space analog
environments. Further countermeasures for on-orbit missions are discussed in detail
in Chapter 6.
But caution should be used in extrapolating these findings to a future
expeditionary mission beyond the Earth’s orbit, such as a trip to Mars. Mars is
significantly farther away from the Earth, and this radically changes the mission
profile. Uniqe countermeasures for such missions are discussed in Chapter 7.
Interpersonal issues need to be studied further in space, especially in preparation
for expeditionary type missions. In addition to space analog settings on Earth (e.g.,
isolation chambers, polar bases), two off-Earth environments provide good
environments to conduct research related to future missions to Mars and other deep
space locations. First, the ISS is an excellent location to study psychological and
interpersonal issues with reference to the microgravity outbound and return phases
of an interplanetary mission. Second, a lunar base is a good setting to study
psychosocial issues with reference to a partial-gravity, ground-based environment,
such as a distant planetary surface. Such studies will allow us to further define
important psychosocial issues and to develop countermeasures to deal with them
before they become problematic during future expeditionary missions to Mars or
beyond.
4.12. Empirical findings from space: cultural challenges facing

ISS personnel
Some of the cultural issues discussed above were examined in a survey of ISS
astronauts, cosmonauts, and mission control personnel by the Canadian Space
Agency [Tomi et al., 2007]. The purpose of the survey was to assess intercultural
differences among program participants so as to prevent misunderstandings and
conflict during the missions and to make recommendations regarding cross-cultural
training.
4.12.1. Procedures
A total of 75 astronauts and cosmonauts and 106 ground support personnel were
surveyed between 2003 and 2006. All but 20 of the astronaut/cosmonaut sample had
flight experience. The study subjects were from a variety of ISS partner agencies
and organizations, including the Canadian Space Agency, NASA, the European
Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the Russian Institute for
Biomedical Problems, the Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation, and the Gagarin
Cosmonaut Training Center. The subjects were asked a variety of multiple-choice
and open-ended questions concerning their views and ideas on cross-cultural issues
and training needs.
4.12.2. Results
Both crew and ground subjects rated coordination problems and/or mistrust among
member organizations responsible for operating the missions as the greatest
problem, followed by communication difficulties due to misunderstandings. Other
common problems related to differences in language and work management styles,
and miscommunication or mistrust among ground control and support teams.
Astronauts rated cultural isolation experienced by a minority crewmember as a
problem, whereas ground subjects rated mistrust of motives and behaviors from
team members from other cultures as a major issue. Crewmembers and mission
control subjects both considered cross-cultural training of astronauts and mission
support personnel to be the most important countermeasure. Over 83% of the
respondents thought that crew and key mission control personnel for a given
mission should receive some training together, thus encouraging team-building.
Highly rated content material included managing conflicts due to intercultural
differences, understanding culture-based differences in management and teamwork
activities, building trust among team members, understanding the role of culture and
other challenges in working as a part of a small confined multicultural team, and
identifying specific communication skills. Learning by evaluating case studies and
critical incidents were highly rated training methods. There was surprising
unanimity in response among the subjects, although there were also some
differences in ratings among members from different agencies.
4.12.3. Conclusions
These results echoed some of the findings from the human interactions studies
reported earlier. Both national and organizational cultural differences were
identified. Nearly all of the respondents acknowledged that cross-cultural training
was important in preparing for multinational space missions. It was felt that both
crew and mission control personnel should be trained, and key members of a
mission should receive some of this training together. Conflict management and
team building were important aspects of this training. The subjects were in
agreement about the importance of understanding cultural differences and learning
ways of coping with them during the mission.
4.13. Summary
• Psychosocial stressors have more of an impact on long-duration space missions
lasting longer than 6 weeks than on short-duration space missions.
• Important interpersonal issues affecting space crews include: crew
heterogeneity (due to gender, cultural differences, career motivation and
experiences, and personality), changes in cohesion, language and dialect
variations, crew size, leadership roles, and crew-ground interactions.
• The interactions between crewmembers and mission control personnel are
complex and can result in lack of empathy, over-scheduling, growing crew
autonomy, psychological closing, and displacement of tension and unpleasant
dysphoric emotions to others.
• Negative sequelae from psychosocial stressors affecting space crews may
include: intra-crew tension, scapegoating and the long-eye phenomenon,
withdrawal and territorial behavior, subgrouping, minority isolation in small
numbered crews, inability to achieve consensus based on crew size, leadership
role confusion and inappropriate status leveling, crew-ground miscommuni-
cation, perceived lack of support from the ground, failure to deal with intra-
crew problems, and information filtration.
• Junior and senior American mission controllers perceive a number of
operational and cultural challenges to their work, but not necessary the same
ones. Training programs need to take this difference into account.
• The results of two human interactions studies conducted during the Shuttle/Mir
and the ISS programs demonstrate that psychosocial research can be done on-
orbit during actual space missions. Pertinent findings were:
• In contrast to some space simulation studies conducted on the ground, there

was little support for time-related effects (e.g., second half mission decrements,
third quarter phenomenon) in both studies, although there was a novelty effect
in American crewmembers during Shuttle/Mir (but not ISS) missions.
• In some cases, activities during pre-launch training may be perceived as more
stressful by crewmembers than activities during the mission itself. However,
higher scores in measures of self discovery and innovation pre-launch
suggested that more new learning occurred during training than during the time
on-orbit.
• There was strong support for the occurrence of displacement in both
crewmembers and mission control personnel during both Shuttle/Mir and ISS
missions. This effect was stronger for the isolated crewmembers than for
people on the ground.
• In both studies, Americans reported significantly more work pressure; in
Shuttle/Mir, they reported less direction and support; and in ISS, they reported
less tension than their Russian colleagues. However, cultural differences
tended to be similar in both studies and may have reflected organizational as
well as national characteristics.
• In both studies, crewmembers were less dysphoric than mission control
personnel. However, both groups were happier than people in other work
environments on Earth.
• Although the need for a common language during space missions was
endorsed by the subjects, Americans were more concerned about the
importance of having a common dialect than their Russian counterparts.
• In both studies, mission control personnel acknowledged that both the task and
the support role of the leader were important for group cohesion.
Crewmembers, however, only saw the support role as contributing to cohesion,
perhaps because in the small crews studied, everyone has important task
leadership duties.
• Many subjects cited negative interpersonal and psychological issues as
reportable critical incidents. During the Mir Space Station study, accidents and
equipment failures were mentioned about half of the time on the aging facility,
but they were less common on the ISS. In fact, over half of the critical
incidents reported from the newer and ergonomically sounder ISS facility were
positive or neutral events.
• Further studies need to be done in space to see if these findings generalize to
other long-duration space missions, such as an expeditionary mission to Mars.
• The need for cultural training that involves crewmembers and key members of
mission control (in some cases together) for a given multinational space
mission was suggested by some of the findings from the human interactions
studies, as well as from a cultural survey of astronauts, cosmonauts, and
mission control personnel conducted by the Canadian Space Agency.
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Space travel can produce a sense of isolation and separation from family and
friends. One can feel insignificant in space, with resultant anxiety, depression,
and homesickness. This plate is from the first great star atlas, Uranometria by
Johannes Bayer, which was first published in 1603. It depicts Perseus holding the
head of Medusa. The ancient Greeks placed him in the Heavens, and in a sense he
became one of the first “astronauts”. (Courtesy of the Nick and Carolynn Kanas
collection).
Chapter 5
Psychiatric Issues
5.1. Behavioral health and salutogenesis

Curiosity has inspired human beings to venture forth into space. The psychological
risks of this activity may be severe and stem from prolonged isolation from family
and friends, confinement in close quarters, and survival in a dangerous and hostile
environment under conditions of low gravity and radiation. However, the potential
behavioral health benefits of space travel have rarely been discussed and have not
been extensively studied, despite some recent work that will be reviewed below.
The concept of salutogenesis, or the health-promoting, growth-enhancing effects
of a challenging situation, is a relatively modern one. The term refers to processes
by which powerful experiences enhance or bring about well-being and personal
growth. Some individuals gain strength and wisdom from successfully coping with
personal crises; hence, negative stressors can produce positive change [Cordova
et al., 2001; Wilson and Spencer, 1990]. Positive stressors can bring about positive
change as well, especially when the positive experience is deliberately sought out.
Isolated and confined environments can be growth enhancing. Both Palinkas
[1991] and Suedfeld [1998] have discussed the salutogenic reactions some people
have to the adverse conditions found in polar environments, such as increased
fortitude, perseverance, independence, self-reliance, ingenuity, comradeship, and
decreased tension and depression. Kanas et al. [1996] found that three crewmembers
who participated in a 135-day isolation in the Mir space station simulator in
Moscow experienced significantly less tension and more expressiveness and self
discovery during their seclusion than during their pre-confinement training period.
Some astronauts and cosmonauts in space have reported transcendental experiences,
religious insights, or a better sense of the unity of humankind as a result of viewing
the Earth below and the cosmos beyond [Connors et al., 1985; Kanas, 1990]. In his
diary, cosmonaut Valentin Lebedev [1988] stated that his Earth photography
experiences from the Salyut 7 space station were restful and positive, and he hoped
that they would help him gain an advanced degree after he returned from his 211-
day mission. Thus, involvement in long-duration space missions and related
environments can be quite positive for some people. Suedfeld [2005] has argued
that we should pay more attention to positive psychology and salutogenesis in the
operational planning for future manned space missions.
135
5.2. Empirical findings from space: positive psychological aspects

of space flight
Despite the anecdotal literature, few scientific studies have been done that assessed
the positive psychological aspects of being in space. In their questionnaire study,
Kelly and Kanas [1992, 1993] reported that a group of 54 astronauts and cosmo-
nauts who had flown in space rated the general excitement related to their mission
as being one of the strongest factors enhancing communication within the crew and
between the crewmembers and mission control personnel on the ground. This is
important, since good communication is essential for crew safety and mission
success during long-duration on-orbit missions. Suedfeld and Weiszbeck [2004]
reported on a thematic content analysis of the memoirs from four American astro-
nauts and found that the space flight experience had affected their value system. For
example, all four reported increases in spirituality, and three had increases in
universalism (i.e., a sense of understanding and appreciation for all people and
nature).
5.2.1. Procedures
In an attempt to further examine the positive aspects of space flight, Ihle and her
colleagues [2006] conducted a questionnaire study involving astronauts and cosmo-
nauts who had participated in at least one space mission. Subjects were recruited
anonymously from two sources: the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) and the
current NASA astronaut corps at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The final sample
consisted of 39 respondents: 10 from the ASE and 29 from JSC. There were no
significant differences in response means between these two groups. Not all of the
participants fully completed the demographics section of the questionnaire, but of
those who did, most were American (34 of 37 completing this item), male (32 of
37), and had been on more than one mission (24 of 36) but spent less than 30 total
days in space (20 of 36).
Respondents completed the Positive Effects of Being in Space (PEBS) question-
naire, which is a 36-item questionnaire developed by the experimenters to assess
areas of personal growth that were likely to be positively influenced by being in
space. Many of the items were taken with permission from the Post-Traumatic
Growth Inventory (PTGI), developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun [1996]. Additional
items were added that were specifically related to space travel from themes found in
the anecdotal literature The questionnaire was designed to measure change as a
result of being in space, and the items were scored by the subjects using a 6-point
Likert scale ranging from 0 [“I did not experience this change”] to 3 [“a moderate
degree”] to 5 [“a very great degree”]. Open-ended free-response questions were
included at the end to offer participants an opportunity to provide subjective
comments about their experiences. The internal validity and reliability of the
resultant questionnaire was excellent [see Ihle et al., 2006].
5.2.2. Results
Every respondent reported at least some positive change as a result of flying in
space. As shown in Table 5.1, the average amount of change reported by the
Psychiatric Issues 137
Table 5.1. PEBS Subscales and Mean Scores. Adapted from Ihle et al. [2006]
Subscale Mean Score
Perceptions of Earth 2.94
Perceptions of Space 1.97
New Possibilities 1.84
Appreciation of Life 1.79
Personal Strength 1.69
Changes in Daily Life 1.34
Relating to Others 1.30
Spiritual Change 0.89
Average Subscale Score 1.72
39 respondents was 1.72, or between a “very small” and a “small” degree of change
as measured on the 0–5 Likert scale. The greatest change registered among the eight
PEBS subscales was in the Perceptions of Earth items (mean change = 2.94, or
“moderate”). A general linear model multivariate analysis showed that there was at
least one significant difference between the subscale scores shown in Table 5.1, and
a set of seven ordered t-tests (with Bonferroni correction) revealed that Perceptions
of Earth was the only subscale to be significantly different from the others.
Ten of the respondents indicated that they were reporting no change in at least
one item because no further shift was possible (i.e., the described experience was
already optimal for them and could not be enhanced by being in space). The item
most frequently designated as unchangeable was “I became more excited about
space exploration”, followed by “I have a better understanding of spiritual matters”
and “I have a stronger religious faith.” Since the last two items were part of the
Spiritual Change subscale, this contributed to the relatively low change score for
this subscale.
By consensus of the study team, items of the questionnaire were categorized as
an “attitude” if they represented an internal experience (thought or feeling state) or
as a “behavior” if they represented an external process or activity. This different-
tiation resulted in 26 “attitude” items and 10 “behavior” items. Prior to the start of
the study, the experimenters predicted that five changes in attitude would be asso-
ciated with five changes in behavior, and four of these predictions came true. Three
of these items (“I realized how much I treasure the Earth,” “I learned to appreciate
the fragility of the Earth,” and “I gained a stronger appreciation of the Earth’s
beauty”) were significantly associated with the behavior item “I increased my
involvement in environmental causes”. The fourth item, “I gained a stronger under-
standing of the unity of humankind,” was also associated with the predicted “My
relationship with my family grew stronger”. However, the last prediction was not
borne out: the “unity of humankind” attitude was not associated with the behavior
item “I increased my involvement in political activities”.
There were no statistically significant differences in any of the above results
between gender, national culture, number of missions flown, or days spent in space.
However, a cluster analysis of the scores revealed that the respondents fell into two
categories. Using t-tests, a “high change” group scored significantly higher than a
“low change” group on the total score, all eight subscale scores, and most of the
individual item scores. Furthermore, after the Perceptions of Earth subscale, which
was the highest in both groups, the two groups differed in their subscale rankings.
For example, the more reactive respondents ranked Perceptions of Space as second,
whereas the less reactive respondents ranked Appreciation of Life as second.
5.2.3. Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that space travel is a meaningful experience for the
participants. Every respondent had a positive reaction to being in space. The items
that were endorsed most frequently, and with the greatest amount of change, were
those in the Perceptions of Earth subscale. One of these items, “I gained a stronger
appreciation of the Earth’s beauty”, had the highest mean score, with the average
rating indicating a “great degree” of change. This implied that people working in
space developed a new view of their home planet, gaining a stronger appreciation
for its beauty and fragility. This was reinforced by some of the qualitative responses
on the questionnaire, which suggested that the view of Earth inspired a sense of awe
and wonder rather than a spiritual awakening (which was also reinforced by the low
ranking of the Spiritual Change items). Perhaps this reflected an appreciation and
longing for the familiar comfort of a natural environment from a space habitat that
may have been perceived as confining and sterile. Although respondents endorsed
positive changes in all of the seven other subscales, these changes were rated on
average as between “very small” and “small” and did not make such a great
impression.
Most of the predictions about the relationship between attitudes and behaviors
were supported by the findings. Specifically, an enhanced appreciation for the
beauty and fragility of the Earth brought with it a greater enthusiasm for environ-
mental causes. Although the study did not track post-return activities to see if the
subjects indeed followed through on their intended behaviors, these results still
suggested a link between attitude change in space and the subjects’ claims that they
acted on these changes after coming home. Perhaps a willingness to enact change
brought about by positive experiences could help maintain the morale of long-
duration crewmembers and help with their post-flight re-adjustment to society.
Although no statistically significant differences could be found in the res-
pondents along demographic lines, cluster analysis revealed that the subjects segre-
gated into high and low change groups. This difference may be due to differences in
personality or cognitive styles and needs to be explored further, since it may affect
coping styles and become important in a proposed mission to Mars, when the
Earth’s beauty is no longer appreciable (see Chapter 7). Perhaps the more reactive
high change group might find more solace from general perceptions of the space
environment than the less reactive low change group, since the former rated changes
in this factor as being second in importance to their perceptions of Earth. In
contrast, the vastness of the cosmos might not be the same source of inspiration for
the less reactive group, who might benefit more from activites that are inner-focused
and directed toward appreciating the little things of life. By optimizing and
individualizing the positive experiences for crewmembers on long-duration space
missions, crew morale can be enhanced, with resulting benefits to their psyche and
increased chances for mission success.
5.3. Psychiatric problems in space

Psychiatric problems have occurred during manned space missions. According to
Shepanek [2005], from 1981 to 1989, 34 negative behavioral signs and symptoms
were reported during medical debriefs following Space Shuttle missions, and two
psychiatric events affected the seven American astronauts who flew on the Mir
space station from 1995 to 1998. These difficulties ranged from anxiety and depress-
sion to memory and problem-solving impairments to interpersonal conflicts and
withdrawal. In some cases, productivity was negatively affected.
Some psychiatric disorders seem to occur more often than others during long-
duration space missions. Although many of these problems have been reported
anecdotally and not studied empirically, it is important to discuss them since crew-
members and operational personnel may then develop strategies of identifying and
treating them during future space missions. In addition, an awareness of these
problems may promote psychiatric research in space that will focus on further
identification and treatment strategies.
A description of these major conditions is given below. The system used is
abstracted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
Edition (or DSM-IV) [American Psychiatric Association, 1994], which is the most
common diagnostic system used in the United States. However, in other parts of the
world (e.g., Europe, Russia, Asia), the World Health Organization International
Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision
(or ICD-10) is used [World Health Organization, 1992]. The DSM-IV provides
equivalent codes between these two systems, as shown in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2. Equivalent DSM-IV and ICD-10 Diagnostic Codes.
Disorder Relevant DSM-IV Codes Relevant ICD-10 Codes
Adjustment Disorders 309 F43
Somatoform Disorders 300, 307 F44, F45
Mood Disorders 296, 300, 301 F30-34
Schizophrenia and Other 295, 297, 298 F20, F22-25

Thought Disorders
5.3.1. Adjustment disorders

Adjusting to the stressors of space can be difficult, and adjustment disorders repre-
sent one of the most frequent psychiatric problems experienced by long-duration
space travelers. The key clinical elements of this condition as outlined in the DSM-
IV are summarized in Table 5.3.
There have been anecdotal reports suggesting the occurrence of adjustment
disorders in space. For example, cosmonaut Lebedev [1988] cited several problems
he had adjusting to the monotonous conditions that occurred during his Salyut 7
mission, which included despondency, withdrawal, and tense relations with his
crewmate. Following a series of misfortunes and accidents involving the Mir space
station, one cosmonaut commander allegedly experienced tension, fatigue, and
cardiac arrhythmias that necessitated a change in his work duties and the prescrip-
tion of sedatives [Carpenter, 1997]. Adjustment problems also may result from
tensions due to differences in crewmember personality, background, and attitudes.
In fact, space travelers highly value commonalities they have with their fellow
crewmates. In a questionnaire survey of 54 astronauts and cosmonauts who had
flown in space, Kelly and Kanas [1992] found that a sense of sharing common
experiences and mutual excitement over the mission were two factors that were
rated as significantly enhancing crewmember communication in space.
5.3.2. Somatoform disorders

People chosen for space missions may respond to the stressors of space more in somatic
than in psychological terms. In the DSM-IV, these are subsumed under the category of
somatoform disorders, the characteristics of which are summarized in Table 5.4.
For example, in his diary a Salyut 6 cosmonaut vividly expressed a fear of
having an appendicitis attack during his mission, and he reported having pain in his
tooth after awakening from a dream of a toothache [Chaikin, 1985]. A Salyut 7
cosmonaut allegedly had to be brought back early from his mission for poor work
performance due to fatigue, listlessness, and psychosomatic concerns related to
perceived prostatitis and fears of impotence [Harris, 1996].
Table 5.3. Clinical Characteristics of Adjustment Disorders. Abstracted from the DSM-IV
[APA, 1994].
Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable psychosocial stressor or

stressors.
Symptoms develop within three months after the onset of the stressor(s).
The resulting distress is in excess of what would normally be expected or it results in

significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Other disorders are excluded (e.g., anxiety or mood disorder, bereavement).
The symptoms usually resolve within six months of the termination of the stressor(s) or with
treatment.
Table 5.4. Clinical Characteristics of Somatoform Disorders. Abstracted from the DSM-IV
[APA, 1994].
Physical symptoms that suggest the presence of a medical condition that

are not fully explained by a real medical condition.
The symptoms are not explained by the direct effects of a substance or by

another mental disorder.
The symptoms may cause significant distress or impairment in social or

occupational functioning.
The symptoms are not intentional or under voluntary control (i.e., they are
not due to malingering).
Psychosomatic symptoms also have occurred in space analog environments.

Tension headaches, fatigue, and other psychophysiological reactions commonly are
encountered on submarines and in the Antarctic [Lugg, 1991; Rivolier et al., 1991,
Weybrew, 1991]. For example, Lugg [1991] included psychalgia (tension headaches)
as one of the most common mental problems reported in research involving
Australian Antarctic expeditions over a 25-year period. In a report of submarine
experiences, Weybrew [1991] stated that on an average day a quarter of the men on
submarine missions experienced headaches. Although in closed environments
atmospheric pressure and toxins may contribute to somatic symptoms such as
headaches, such factors alone cannot account for the high incidences of psychosomatic
problems and preoccupations with physical issues that have been reported in
space analog situations.
5.3.3. Mood and thought disorders

Major mood and thought disorders have not been reported as frequent problems
during space missions. Table 5.5 lists some of the clinical characteristics of mood
Table 5.5. Clinical Characteristics of Mood Disorders. Abstracted from the DSM-IV [APA,
1994].
The prominent feature is a clinically relevant disturbance in mood.
Depressive syndromes are characterized by symptoms related to depression and at

least one major depressive episode lasting for two weeks or more (major depressive
disorder) or a history of depressed mood for more days than not lasting for two years or
more (dysthymic disorder).
Manic-depressive syndromes are characterized by symptoms related to at least one manic

episode and usually major depressive episodes (bipolar I disorder) or at least one major
depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (bipolar II disorder).
The symptoms may cause significant distress or impairment in social or occupational

functioning.
disorders, and Table 5.6 lists some of the features of schizophrenia and other
psychotic thought disorders.
The low frequency of such problems in space probably is due to the fact that
many of these disorders have genetic and constitutional etiologies and may appear
relatively early in adult life. Since astronaut candidates are carefully screened psy-
chiatrically to rule out such problems before they enter the corps, one would not
expect to find many people vulnerable for these conditions in the astronaut pool. In
the U.S. program, sophisticated psychological testing and psychiatric interviewing
techniques are used to select-out individuals who have predispositions or histories of
mental health problems that might negatively influence their ability to function in
space [Santy, 1994]. Santy [1997] reported that the incidence of psychiatric disorders
in a study of 223 astronaut applicants was 9%. Of these 20 affected individuals, five
primarily had family problems, four had a personality disorder, three had a life
circumstance problem, and two each suffered from bereavement, anxiety disorder,
adjustment disorder, or major depression. None of these people had schizophrenia.
Other psychiatric problems that can produce mood alterations or psychotic
thinking, such as alcohol or drug abuse, are not present in space due to the
unavailability of the offending substance. Psychoses based on an underlying
medical illness also are unlikely due to the careful physical screening astronauts and
cosmonauts receive pre-launch.
Severe emotional problems have occurred in the less carefully screened
populations participating in space analog studies. In a study of men wintering-over
at five U.S. Antarctic stations, behavioral problems were related to the length of stay
[Rasmussen and Haythorn, 1963]. Findings at one of these stations are shown in
Table 5.7. Gunderson [1968] reported that 3% of naval personnel stationed in the
Table 5.6. Clinical Characteristics of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders.

Abstracted from the DSM-IV [APA, 1994].
The prominent feature is a clinically relevant disturbance in

thought to the point that the ability to test reality is grossly
impaired.
Important symptoms include distorted beliefs (delusions),

prominent hallucinations, poorly organized speech, dis-
organized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms
such as flat affect and avolition.
Depending on the duration of the episode, the presence of

concurrent mood disturbances, and other clinical features,
categories include schizophrenia, schizophreniform dis-
order, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and
brief psychotic disorder.
The symptoms may cause significant distress or impairment

in social or occupational functioning.
Table 5.7. Emotional Problems During One Year at a U.S. Antarctic Base. Abstracted
from Rasmussen and Haythorn [1963].
Number of Episodes by Trimester
Problem 0–4 Months 5–8 Months 9–12 Months
Anxious 3 8 19
Suspicious 0 7 16
Uncooperative 1 2 13
Antarctic developed psychiatric problems versus 1% of similar personnel based in

other duty locations. Oliver [1991] reported that most of the 31 people at McMurdo
station who wintered-over in 1977 adjusted well to the environment, but there was a
mid-winter peak in sleeping problems, reports of negative mood, and homesickness.
In his review of the Australian Antarctic experience, Lugg [1991] concluded that
mental disorders accounted for 4-5% of the total morbidity, with severe psychotic
and neurotic illness being much lower than 4%. Mental illness occurred most
frequently during the wintering-over period. Rivolier and his colleagues [1991]
reported several incidences of severe emotional and group tension that occurred in a
group of 12 biomedical scientists who participated in the International Biomedical
Expedition to the Antarctic that included a 72-day traverse. One man even had to be
evacuated when he experienced severe anxiety, depression, and homesickness.
Finally, recent findings on psychiatric disorders associated with wintering-over
in Antarctica have been published by Palinkas and colleagues [Palinkas, 2001;
Palinkas et al., 2001]. Their data are based on debriefings with 313 military and
civilian personnel who spent an austral winter at South Pole Station or McMurdo
Station. In these debriefings, 5.2% of the subjects reported symptoms that met the
criteria of a DSM-IV disorder. Most frequently, mood and adjustment disorders
were diagnosed (31.6% of all disorders), followed by sleep-related disorders (21%),
drug-related disorders (10.5%), and personality disorders (7.9%). None of these
conditions were found to depend on age, sex, or prior wintering-over experiences.
Interestingly, these disorders developed despite the fact that all subjects had passed
a psychiatric and psychological screening prior to their assignment for remote duty
in the Antarctic.
Psychiatric difficulties also have occurred during submarine missions. Serxner
[1968] reported a 5% incidence of severe psychiatric problems (e.g., anxiety,
depression, psychosis) in his report of two cruises of the Polaris submarine. In a
review of 30 years of research involving nuclear submarines, Weybrew [1991]
concluded that the incidence of acute or chronic psychopathology during the longer
missions was 1-4%. Anxiety and depressive reactions were most frequent, followed
by antisocial and other characterological problems, and psychophysiological
reactions. In a review of nuclear submarine missions [Boeing Aerospace Company,
1983], 1.2% of the men suffered from severe psychiatric problems: 50% were
related to severe anxiety, 39% to interpersonal difficulties, and 29% to depression.
5.3.4. Post-mission effects: personality changes and marital problems

As mentioned earlier, a number of astronauts and cosmonauts have had transcendent
or religious experiences in space or have been humbled by thoughts of their relative
insignificance in the vastness of the cosmos. As a result, many space travelers have
exhibited personality changes, differences in outlook, or increased sensitivity to
human needs on returning to Earth. Others have had more negative experiences,
such as neurotic symptoms, depression, and marital problems. These and other
difficulties affected Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin after his mission to the Moon and
necessitated psychiatric intervention [Aldrin, 1973]. Post-seclusion anxiety and
suspiciousness also were noted in a crewmember who had participated in a 90-day
closed chamber space simulation study [Seeman and MacFarlane, 1972].
Problems have affected the families of individuals who have spent long periods
of time away from home. Isay [1968] studied 432 wives living on a submarine base
and found that most of them had adjusted to the absence of their husbands.
However, nearly two-thirds experienced depression when their spouse returned
from sea patrol and tried to reassert his role in the family, thereby disrupting the
equilibrium. Isay called this “the submariners’ wives syndrome”. Pearlman [1970]
likewise found that serious marital problems occurred in families following the
return of the husbands from submarine patrol.
Family difficulties also have been reported following Antarctic expeditions.
Oliver [1991] found that 26 of 29 individuals experienced difficulty readjusting to
the home environment after they returned from Antarctica. Taylor [1991] reported
that at least three of the 12 participants in the International Biomedical Expedition
to the Antarctric experienced disruptive relationships with their partners within 16
months of returning. Thus, long duration separations can take their toll on families,
even after the members are reunited.
5.4. Asthenia
5.4.1. A common space syndrome?
5.4.1.1. Cultural issues

According to Russian psychologists and flight surgeons, a major problem that
affects the emotional state of cosmonauts during long-duration space missions is
asthenia (sometimes referred to as “asthenization”) [Kanas, 1991]. This syndrome is
defined as a “nervous or mental weakness manifesting itself in tiredness…and quick
loss of strength, low sensation threshold, extremely unstable moods, and sleep
disturbance. (Asthenia) may be caused by somatic disease as well as by excessive
mental or physical strain, prolonged negative emotional experience or conflict.”
[Petrovsky and Yaroshevsky, 1987, p. 28]. Asthenia is seen as a milder variant of
neurasthenia, a serious mental disorder that appears in the ICD-10 system of
classification and requires treatment. Important clinical elements of neurasthenia are
shown in Table 5.8.
Symptoms and signs suggestive of asthenia have been reported anecdotally by
American astronauts who have flown in space during long-duration missions
Table 5.8. Clinical Characteristics of Neurasthenia According to the ICD-10. Abstracted

from Sadock and Sadock [2000].
Persistent and distressing feelings of exhaustion or

fatigue after minor mental or physical activities.
Presence of at least one of the following: muscular

aches and pains, dizziness, tension headaches, sleep
disturbances, inability to relax, or irritability.
Simple rest or entertainment does not alleviate the

symptoms.
Duration of three months or longer.
The above is not due to any other physical or emotional

disorder.
[Burrough, 1998; Freeman, 2000; Harris, 1996]. However, neither asthenia nor
neurasthenia appear as diagnostic entities in the American Psychiatric Association
DSM-IV, so American mental health professionals cannot diagnose this syndrome in
their patients using this manual. In the United States, many of the symptoms of
asthenia are included under such diagnoses as adjustment, dysthymic, or major
depressive disorders, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
This is ironic because the roots of neurasthenia can be traced back to an
American physician, George Beard, who lived from 1839 to 1883 [Beard, 1905/1971;
Kanas et al., 2001b]. He observed that many of his patients complained of vague
symptoms, such as exhaustion, morbid fears and anxieties, hopelessness, mental
irritability, concentration difficulties, forgetfulness, headaches, insomnia, bad
dreams, pains, and sexual problems. He believed that an underlying physiological
disorder was responsible for this plethora of symptoms, which he characterized as
nervous exhaustion or neurasthenia. He viewed neurasthenia as a peculiarly
American disease that especially affected the upper classes. He outlined many
treatments for neurasthenia that included diets and herbs, medications, rest,
massage, and local applications of electricity. The concept of neurasthenia gradually
took hold and spread to Europe, Russia, and Asia [Carlson, 1991]. After World War
I, the popularity of this syndrome declined in the United States, although it
continued to be identified in other countries, where it persists today.
This creates a dilemma for flight surgeons and psychologists who are involved
in supporting crews participating in long-duration space missions. Is there a fatigue-
like syndrome that commonly occurs which is conceptualized one way by users of
the DSM-IV and another way by users of the ICD-10? Or are there cultural
variations taking place, whereby psychological reactions to being in space are
expressed differently by people with different cultural and national backgrounds?
The resolution of this issue needs further empirical study (see Section 5.4.3).
5.4.1.2. Russian views of asthenia in space

Russian experts diagnose and monitor asthenia in space by analyzing verbal
communication between crewmembers and personnel in mission control; by
examining medical information; and by administering clinical scales that assess
fatigue, somatic symptoms, sleep quality, and mood. Several of these experts have
written about the characteristics of this syndrome in the space environment. For
example, Myasnikov and Zamaletdinov [1996] believe that elements of asthenia
(e.g., fatigue, emotional lability, sleep disturbances) are seen in cosmonauts
participating in space missions lasting more than four months. This has contributed
to impaired performance, crewmember conflict, and operational errors. The
condition seems to be one of cumulative fatigue that develops over time.
Aleksandrovskiy and Novikov [1996] believe that a mild form of asthenia (i.e.,
hyposthenia) appears in many cosmonauts after one to two months. They view the
hyposthenic state as one in which inhibitory processes predominate and as being
characterized by fatigue, decreased work capacity, sleep problems, anxiety,
autonomic disturbances (e.g., palpitations, perspiration), attention and concentration
difficulties, and heightened sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises. Perceptual
changes also have been reported empirically by space travelers. In one questionnaire
study of 54 astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space, the subjects stated
that watching and listening activities significantly increased in space during both
work and leisure time periods [Kelly and Kanas, 1992]. This was reminiscent of
reports that during Salyut 6 and 7 changes in perceptual sensitivities were noted
after three to five months, with some cosmonauts stating that they became
increasingly disturbed by loud sounds and the manner of verbal presentations from
people in mission control [Grigoriev et al., 1988; Lebedev, 1988].
Aleksandrovskiy [1976] has described three stages of asthenia. In the first stage
of hyperesthesia, there is a general increase in sensitivity to external stimuli that
results in hyperarousal, increased activity, emotional irritability, impatience, poor
attention and concentration, memory problems, tiredness, headaches, perspiration,
unstable pulse and blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. In the intermediate stage
of irritable weakness, irritability and emotional instability progress into severe
fatigue, negative emotional reactions, and somnolence. In the third stage of
hypoesthesia, there is apathy, constant fatigue, passiveness, and lack of work
capability.
More recently, Myasnikov et al. [2000] have contrasted clinical asthenia on
Earth with asthenia in space. They believe that the former is a disorder with neurotic
features that is treated with medication. However, the latter usually is milder, in part
because cosmonauts are carefully screened for psychiatric problems and in part
because people in space are monitored and countermeasures are employed at the
first sign of psychological difficulty. Consequently, medications usually are not
needed. Asthenia in space is viewed as reflecting both the level of psychological
stress during space missions and the inadequacy of individual coping strategies. For
these reasons, the authors prefer the term “psychic asthenization” when referring to
the syndrome in space.
A summary of some of the key points discussed above is shown in Table 5.9.
Table 5.9. Characteristics of Asthenia or Asthenization in Space, Abstracted from

various Russian sources. [See text].
Physical or emotional fatigue or weakness
Hypoactivity
Irritability and tension
Emotional lability
Appetite and sleeping problems
Attention and memory deficits
Withdrawal from others and territorial behavior
5.4.2. Empirical findings from space: asthenia and the Shuttle/Mir program
5.4.2.1. Procedures
The above clinical and operational information suggests that asthenia may occur in
the space environment. To explore whether or not there was empirical evidence for
this syndrome during actual space missions, data from the 4½-year Shuttle/Mir
Human Interactions study (described fully in Chapter 4) were retrospectively
examined [Kanas et al., 2001b]. This study was not designed to specifically assess
asthenia, so to evaluate its presence in space among crewmembers, the data from
one of the questionnaire measures, the Profile of Mood States or POMS [McNair
et al., 1992], were re-analyzed. Three of the study investigators independently exa-
mined the POMS to identify items characteristic of the first stage of asthenia. Since
symptoms of this condition in space would trigger a number of countermeasures
from psychological support staff on the ground, characteristics of more advance
stages of asthenia were not expected to be present. Eight items identified by all three
raters were selected as being characteristic of stage 1 asthenia: On Edge and
Restless (tension items); Resentful and Annoyed (irritability items); Forgetful and
Unable to Concentrate (cognition items); and Weary and Fatigued (low energy
items). The weekly on-orbit data from the 13 crewmembers on these eight items
were subjected to analysis for asthenia.
Six Russian space experts, who were familiar with the characteristics of asthenia
and who had worked directly with cosmonauts for 10 years or more, were instructed
to complete a Russian translation of the POMS as if they were cosmonauts suffering
from stage 1 asthenia. The POMS results from the astronauts and cosmonauts were
compared with the clinically meaningful prototype scores from the experts to
examine if this would yield evidence to support the existence of the asthenic
syndrome in space.
For all of the POMS “asthenia” items, t-tests were utilized to assess for dif-
ferences between the mean scores of crewmembers and Russian experts and to
assess for differences between the mean scores of Russian and U.S. crewmembers.
To control for the inflated Type I error rate associated with multiple significance
tests, the false discovery rate procedure developed by Benjamini and Hochberg
[1995] was utilized in all of the analyses.
5.4.2.2. Results
Table 5.10 shows the mean on-orbit scores for the eight asthenia items from the
crewmembers versus the mean scores from the six experts. Using t-tests,
crewmember scores were significantly lower than the expert rating scores on seven
of the eight items; only Restless yielded a non-significant result. The crewmember
mean scores all were less than 1, putting them in the “not at all” to “a little” range of
the POMS, while the mean scores for the expert prototype were in the “a little” to
“quite a bit” range. T-tests also were used to compare the crewmember scores in
space with comparable scores obtained during four weeks of pre-launch training on
Earth, and there were no significant differences on any of the eight POMS items. To
look for possible time effects, the mean scores for each quarter of the missions were
calculated for each subject on each of the eight items. Using an analysis of variance
for each item, none of the resulting F-values was found to be significant. Finally,
t-tests were used to compare American and Russian crewmember scores for all eight
items, and there were no significant differences between these two groups.
5.4.2.3. Conclusions
These findings do not support the presence of asthenia when the crewmember on-
orbit scores were compared with scores from a prototype of asthenia constructed by
Russian space experts or with the pre-launch scores obtained during training.
However, it should be noted that the POMS could only evaluate parts of the
Table 5.10. Mean Crewmember versus Russian Space Expert Scores on POMS
“Asthenia“ Items. Adapted from Kanas et al. [2001b].
POMS Item Mean Crewmember Score Mean Expert Score
On Edge* 0.25 2.50
Restless 0.39 1.00
Resentful* 0.08 2.17
Annoyed* 0.29 2.00
Forgetful* 0.17 2.50
Unable to Concentrate* 0.05 1.83
Weary* 0.42 2.33
Fatigued* 0.59 2.67
*p-value less that the adjusted significance level threshold of p = .044 [Benjamini
and Hochberg, 1995].
syndrome since it primarily is a measure that assesses emotional states but not
physiological status (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, sleep characteristics) or somatic
complaints that are part of the asthenic syndrome. Also, the operational definition of
asthenia depended on eight POMS items, and perhaps these were not sensitive
enough to identify aspects of the syndrome.
In absolute terms, the crewmembers rated the asthenia items in the “not at all” to
“a little” range, suggesting that they were not experiencing the intensity of the
asthenia items to any appreciable extent. However, as reported elsewhere [Kanas
et al., 2000a, 2000b, 2001a, 2001c], the crewmembers generally scored toward the
positive end of the subscales in the measures (including the POMS), and their
responses were more adaptive than those from normative samples on Earth. Thus,
they seemed to perceive their emotions and their interpersonal environment more
optimistically than people in other groups on the ground. For the eight asthenia
items, these issues were applicable to both Russian and American crewmembers,
since they tended to score in a similar manner.
Despite the negative findings, the concept of asthenia warrants further study.
The syndrome should be better defined, and measures specific to asthenia need to be
developed and validated in both clinical and astronaut populations. If further study
identifies the presence of the asthenic syndrome in space, then pre-launch training
programs and in-flight countermeasures to deal with its sequelae should be expan-
ded in order to improve the well-being of space travelers participating in future
long-duration space missions.
5.4.3. Empirical findings from space: cultural differences in patterns

of mood states on-orbit
Although the above findings did not support the construct of the asthenic syndrome
on-orbit, this is not to say that asthenic-like patterns do not exist. The same team
that conducted the previous study took a novel approach. After the ISS study was
completed, the experimenters wondered if there would be differences in patterns of
mood states that were exhibited by U.S. and Russian crewmembers. The reasoning
was that in the Russian culture, where asthenia is accepted as a syndrome, there
would be an association between depressed mood and fatigue, since these two states
should covary according to the asthenia model. In contrast, in the American culture,
neurotically-based depression might be expected to covary with anxiety, which
would be predicted according to the diagnostic system used in the United States
[American Psychiatric Association, 1994].
Using mixed model linear regression, the study team first tested these asso-
ciations separately for the Shuttle/Mir crewmembers and the ISS crewmembers
[Boyd et al., 2007; Ritsher, 2005]. The results were somewhat equivocal. To gain
statistical power, the experimenters combined the Shuttle/Mir and ISS data sets,
which seemed reasonable since other findings in the two studies were similar (see
Chapter 4). In the combined sample (with 13 astronauts and 17 cosmonauts), it was
found that as predicted for the Russians, measures of depression and fatigue were
significantly related, whereas the relationship between depression and anxiety was
not significant [Boyd et al., 2007]. For the Americans, again as predicted, the rela-
tionship between depression and anxiety was significant, whereas the relationship
between depression and fatigue was not. In both groups, depression scores were
associated with a measure of anger, and for the Americans, it was associated with
confusion. No other tested relationships were significant.
These results confirmed the predictions that Russian crewmembers experience
depression in the context of fatigue, which is consistent with early asthenization. In
contrast, Americans experience depression in the context of anxiety, which supports
a culture-bound pattern of mood that is consistent with the American model of
neurotic depression. Both groups associated depression with anger, which makes
sense since irritability is a common feature of both cultures’ models of distress. The
covarying of confusion with depression also would make sense since difficulty
concerntrating is another common feature of both the American and Russian models
of distress, but this link was only significant for the American subjects. These
findings suggest that patterns of mood states in crewmembers may reflect national
cultural norms, and further work in this interesting area needs to be done.
5.5. Treatment considerations

5.5.1. Counseling and psychotherapy
Pre-launch, crewmembers should be briefed on the kinds of psychological stressors
and psychiatric problems that can occur during long-duration space missions.
During the flight, crewmembers should be monitored for symptoms and signs of
developing psychiatric disturbances. In near-Earth missions, counseling sessions,
crisis intervention, or brief supportive psychotherapy can occur between individuals
in the crew and therapists on the ground using private two-way audiovisual links. In
rare occasions, more extended insight-oriented psychotherapy might be indicated.
During deeper space missions (such as a trip to Mars), the distance results in
communication delays and the inability to send morale-enhancing supplies and gifts
up from Earth. As a consequence, therapeutic encounters will depend on the skills
of on-board crewmembers who are trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and the
use of psychoactive medications. Facilities also need to be available on-board to
seclude and restrain a potentially suicidal, violent, or impulsive crewmember.
It is unlikely that a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist would be a member of
the crew in early missions involving a space station, a lunar base, or a trip to Mars.
However, it is likely that a physician or some other medically trained individual
would be present on-board. As described elsewhere [Kanas, 1998], this individual
should possess a knowledge of: (1) individual psychopathology and small group
behavior; (2) the individual and interpersonal effects of stressors to be expected
during the mission; (3) techniques involving crisis intervention, individual
psychotherapy, and the facilitation of group awareness and team building; and
(4) the appropriate use of tranquilizers and other psychoactive medications,
including their usefulness and side effects under conditions of microgravity.
To guard against the negative sequelae that would result if the counselor should
become incapacitated by a psychiatric problem, it would be prudent to have another
crewmember cross-trained to cover these issues. Also, all crewmembers should be
sensitized to important psychiatric and interpersonal problems that might occur
during the course of long-duration space missions as well as to basic interventions

for dealing with such difficulties.
5.5.2. Psychoactive medications

Medical kits are available on-board during manned space missions that contain
supplies to help the crewmembers cope with space motion sickness, illnesses, and
injuries. Medications chosen for these kits have depended on factors such as the
duration of the mission, its objectives, and the presence of a physician. Psychoactive
medications have been part of the formulary as well. A listing of the categories of
these agents appears in Table 5.11. For example, Space Shuttle flights have included
antianxiety medications such as oral and injectable diazepam; pain medicines such
as codeine and morphine; medications for sleep such as flurazepam and temazepam;
stimulants such as dextroamphetamine; medications to counter psychosis such as
haloperidol; and intra-muscular promethazine for space motion sickness [Pavy-Le
Traon et al., 1997].
Santy and her colleagues [1988] have reported that 78% of Space Shuttle
crewmembers have taken medications in space, primarily for space motion
sickness (30%), headache (20%), insomnia (15%), and back pain (10%).
Psychoactive medications available in Russian flight medical kits have included
antianxiety agents such as diazepam and phenazepam; antidepressants such as
amitriptyline; stimulants such as “sydnocarb” (N-phenylcarbamoyl-3-b-phenyliso-
propylsydnonimin); antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol; and the
GABA analog pyracetam [Aleksandrovskiy and Novikov, 1996]. Newer psycho-
active medications also are being incorporated, such as the so-called “atypical”
antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, risperidone) and the selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline). Physiological changes
Table 5.11. Categories of Psychoactive Medications.
Antianxiety/anxiolytic medications (e.g., diazepam,

lorazepam)
Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, imipramine)
Antimanics and mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproic

acid)
Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, haloperidol)
Pain medications (e.g., codeine, morphine)
Sleeping pills/hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, zaleplon) - see

also antianxiety/anxiolytic medications, above
Stimulants (e.g., caffeine, dextroamphetamine)
Promethazine for space motion sickness

due to microgravity and other effects of space may change the pharmacokinetic
characteristics of psychoactive medications, influencing both their dosage and route
of administration [Saivin et al., 1997]. Some of these physiological effects are listed
in Table 5.12. In microgravity, blood flow increases in the upper part of the body
and decreases in the lower part. Relative disuse of muscle groups can cause atrophic
changes as well. As a result of these two effects, the blood available and the amount
of atrophy that has taken place at the injection site will influence the bioavailability
of medication from an intra-muscular injection. For example, intra-muscular
promethazine is usually given in the arm rather than in the hip in space, and it has
been found to be useful for space motion sickness, with no appreciable side effects
reported (e.g., sedation, dizziness, decrements in psychomotor performance) [Pavy-Le
Traon et al., 1997].
Other physiological changes also may affect medication absorption and meta-
bolism. For example, the movement of oral medications out of the stomach may be
decreased by the weightlessness of the gastric contents in space. Consequently, the
availability of these agents to the intestine may be decreased. Intestinal absorption
rates also may be reduced by blood and other fluid shifts to other areas of the body.
Medications especially expected to be affected are those observed to be variably
absorbed in studies on Earth, such as chlorpromazine, flurazepam, and morphine.
Fluid shifts also may affect the bioavailability of medications sensitive to the first
pass effect in the liver (where metabolism occurs), such as desipramine, imipramine,
morphine, nortriptyline, and propranolol [Saivin et al., 1997]. Protein binding in the
blood and renal excretion rates also may be influenced by microgravity. Thus, the
effectiveness and side effects of many psychoactive medications may be affected by
the conditions of space. More empirical work needs to be done to fully characterize
the influences of these physiological effects, both in space and in microgravity
simulations on Earth such as bedrest and water immersion [Cintron and Putcha,
1996].
Table 5.12. Physiological Effects of Microgravity That May Influence the Absorption and
Pharmcokinetics of Psychoactive Medications.
Blood and fluid shifts to the upper part of the body
Atrophic changes in selected muscle groups
Decreased gastric emptying
Reduced intestinal absorption rates
Decreased first pass effect in the liver
Alterations in protein binding in the blood
Changes in renal excretion rates

In considering future long-duration space missions, Santy [1987] has written that
a reasonable psychiatric formulary should consist of several examples from each of
the major psychoactive drug classes: antianxiety agents, antidepressants, anti-
psychotics, sleeping pills, and medications to counter mania and other mood swings.
The use of psychoactive medications should be monitored carefully, since a number
of them have a potential for abuse and since novel effects may emerge in the space
environment. On one Russian space mission, for example, the commander was
suffering from insomnia and took too many sleeping pills without informing
physicians in mission control. He subsequently developed a number of problems
attributable to this action [Aleksandrovskiy and Novikov, 1996]. Thus, supervision
of psychoactive drug usage in space by experts on the ground or medically-trained
crewmembers in space is important.
5.6. Psychiatric research in space

Many of the issues described above depend on inferences made from space analog
studies conducted on Earth. These studies cannot reproduce all of the stressors that
are found in space, as was discussed in Chapter 1. In addition, psychiatric reactions
to conditions of isolation and confinement depend on the unique characteristics of
each analog environment and the psychological meaning of the simulation experi-
ence. This also holds for space missions. For example, one’s psychological reac-
tions to a Shuttle flight lasting a couple of weeks in near-Earth orbit might be quite
different than the reactions of a person undergoing a three-year mission to Mars,
where he or she is tens of millions of miles from home. Palinkas and his collegues
[2005] have discussed the importance of taking operational needs into account when
conducting space-related behavioral research, and in planning behavioral health
countermeasures that are both needs-based and evidence-based.
It is time to conduct more psychosocial research in space, especially in the
psychiatric area. Studies could help to determine whether asthenization occurs in
space and if so whether its occurrence is dependent upon one’s cultural background.
Work also needs to be done on the influence of microgravity on the effects and side-
effects of psychoactive medications. In addition, studies could be performed on the
effectiveness of voice analysis and telemedicine techniques in diagnosing psy-
chiatric conditions and in treating them through counseling and psychotherapy using
private two-way audio-visual channels. Long-duration missions to the International
Space Station will allow for some of this research to be accomplished, and the
results of this research might be expected to help future space travelers cope with
the stresses of long duration space missions and work productively with each other
as they make their way to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
5.7. Summary
• Many space travelers find their experiences in space to be rewarding and
salutogenic, or growth-enhancing.
• Astronauts and cosmonauts typically have a positive reaction to being in
space, especially seeing the Earth and recognizing its beauty and fragility.
Changes in attitudes sometime translate into changes in behaviors after the
return home. Space travelers appear to cluster into two groups based on the
intensity of their reported changes.
• Adjustment and somatoform disorders have been reported to affect
crewmembers in space. Mood and thought disorders are comparatively rare.
• Post-mission personality changes and marital problems also have affected
returning space travelers and their families.
• Russian space experts view asthenia (a mild form of neurasthenia) as a
common problem in space. However, neurasthenia is not recognized in the
American psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature as a well-defined syndrome.
The question remains open as to whether or not asthenia occurs and if so
whether or not its manifestations are affected by cultural factors.
• The results of the Shuttle/Mir study did not support the existence of asthenia
in space. However, the measure used (the Profile of Mood States) could only
evaluate the emotional aspects of the syndrome, not the physiological and
somatic aspects. Also, the crewmembers generally tended to score toward the
positive end of the subscales of this measure.
• However, when the Shuttle/Mir and ISS data sets were combined, there was
evidence for culture-bound mood patterns, with Russians linking depression
with fatigue (predicted by the asthenia model) and Americans linking
depression with anxiety (prediced by American diagnostic models of neurotic
depression).
• Crewmembers should be prepared to deal with psychiatric problems during
long-duration space missions using methods such as counseling,
psychotherapy, seclusion and restraint, and psychoactive medications.
• The physiological effects of microgravity may alter the absorption and
pharmacokinetics of psychoactive medication.
• Research needs to be done to evaluate psychiatric issues under space
conditions, such as during missions to the International Space Station.
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Leisure time activities in space are very important. They help to counter
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interact around a positive event. “Astronaut Carl E. Walz (lower left), Expedition
Four flight engineer, plays host to some crewmates as he performs on a musical
keyboard in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS)…”
(Photo and quoted description courtesy of NASA)
Chapter 6
Psychological Countermeasures
6.1. General aspects

Psychological countermeasures include all actions and measures that alleviate the
effects of the extreme living and working conditions of space flight on crew
performance and behavior. Such measures reduce the risks arising from impair-
ments of cognitive performance, well-being, and crew interactions. In principle, two
complementary kinds of countermeasures can be distinguished. The first focuses on
the accommodation of the environmental conditions during space flight to the speci-
fic (psychological) needs and capabilities of humans. One aspect of this approach is
related to issues of hard- and software design that are subsumed under the heading
of “habitability” or “environmental engineering” [Fitts, 2000]. It also includes
organizational factors of work-design and work-rest scheduling during space flight.
This approach is not an entirely psychological one but more generally is related to
aspects of ergonomics and the human factors of space flight. The human is
characterized as a constant element with given strengths and weaknesses, and the
environmental conditions are adjusted as well as possible to these characteristics to
support optimum human performance.
The second kind of countermeasure assumes an inverted perspective. Its main
focus is on adapting humans as best as possible to the given living conditions and
work demands of space flight. Thus, the environmental conditions are considered as
constant, and activities focus on finding and shaping humans for optimal perform-
ance under these conditions. This approach includes specific psychological mea-
sures that are applied to select individuals who are best suited for becoming astro-
nauts, to compose crews whose members are compatible, to train individuals and
entire crews with respect to the psychological demands of space missions, and to
monitor and support astronauts during their mission in order to achieve optimum
individual and crew performance in space [Kanas et al., 2002; Manzey et al., 1995].
These measures can be classified according to when they are applied (see Figure
6.1). Whereas selection, crew composition, and training represent countermeasures
that are already applied pre-flight on the ground, monitoring and support are
provided when a crew is in space. In addition, post-flight support activities assisting
with the re-adjustment of astronauts to life on Earth after a space mission can be
considered as a psychological countermeasure, since they help to prevent adverse
psychological after-effects of space flight.
Whereas the ergonomic aspects of habitability, work-rest scheduling, and basic
selection of astronauts represent psychological countermeasures that are important
for both short-term and long-term space flight, most of the other psychological
countermeasures are most relevant for prolonged space missions with a duration of
over 6 weeks, after the first stage of adaptation (see Chapter 2). This is suggested by
161
Basic Screening
Crew Composition
and Selection
Pre-Flight
Crewmember Mission Control
Training Training
In-Flight
Monitoring Support
Post-Flight
Support
Figure 6.1. Elements of Specific Psychological Countermeasures for Astronauts.
Russian experiences, where psychological countermeasures like in-flight monitoring

and support have been applied since the beginning of long-term space missions
during the Salyut space station program [Grigoriev et al., 1987; Kanas, 1991]. Even
though it is not possible to completely avoid impairments of individual or crew
performance by applying these countermeasures, they have been successful in
preventing such issues from becoming a threat to mission success and safety.
In what follows, essential elements of both kinds of countermeasures will be
addressed. However, since habitability and work design represent broad
interdisciplinary fields, a description of countermeasures related to these areas will
be limited to the most appropriate aspects; i.e., those directly related to the
psychological issues described in the foregoing chapters. The main emphasis of this
chapter will be on the specific psychological countermeasures related to selection,
crew composition, training, monitoring and support.
6.2. Habitability factors

Habitability is a very broad and vaguely defined concept. According to one
definition, it includes all aspects related to the “physical interface between human
user and the system/environment”, or to the “usability of the environment” in
Psychological Countermeasures 163
general [Novak, 2000, p. A131]. Given this vague definition, it is no surprise that a
wide diversity of aspects have been included in this concept. A list of important
items that usually are considered to represent important habitability factors of space
flight is provided in Table 6.1. Most of these factors are of some psychological
importance, and a well-designed living and working environment can promote the
performance and well-being of astronauts and entire crews. For example, a good
design of workstations may contribute to a reduction of crew errors in operational
tasks, reduction of noise can enhance well-being, and a well-designed toilet or
shower will considerably increase the living comfort of the crew. In this sense, all of
these aspects of design may be regarded as psychological countermeasures during a
space flight. However, most of these issues are not entirely psychological ones, nor
are they specifically related to space flight. Instead, they represent general issues of
ergonomic design and human factors engineering [Wickens et al., 1998]. Take the
important issue of workstation and human-machine interface design for space
applications as an example. Even though some aspects of this design have to take
into account the specific constraints found in space (e.g., the need for restraint
systems to stabilize the position of the working astronaut or the fact that fine manual
control can be impaired during an early flight phase), a large number of other
aspects involve more general issues of human-machine or human-computer
interaction that are not really different from those used in Earth applications (e.g.,
basic principles of compatibility in display design or aspects of software usability).
It is beyond the scope of this book to discuss in sufficient detail all aspects of
human factors engineering for space flight. Fortunately, most of them are
Table 6.1. Important Habitability Factors and Examples.
Habitability Factor Examples
Architecture Overall layout, translation paths, windows, interior décor, lighting,

doors, hatches, location coding, mobility aids and restraints
Living quarter design Individual crew quarters, wardroom and meeting facilities,
recreation facilities
Work station design Displays, controls, human-computer interfacing, issues of

automation, software usability, labeling and coding
Service facilities Galley, laundry, trash management, stowage
Personal hygiene Toilet, shower, body waste management
Specific equipment Tools, racks, specific restraints, crew personal equipment
Environmental factors Noise, vibration, air quality, radiation, temperature
Health management Nutrition and food systems, sleep facilities and scheduling,
microgravity countermeasure facilities, space medical facility
Facility management Design of housekeeping tools, inventory control system
Extravehicular activities Design of suit, tools, and workstation

appropriately addressed in several standardization and requirement documents of

different space agencies. The best known are the NASA Man-System Integration
Standards (MSIS; NASA-Standards-3000). First defined in 1987, they now are
available in a revised version that can be accessed via the World Wide Web
[NASA, 1995]. These standards, although currently again under revision, are a
valuable source of information and guidance for a large number of human
engineering issues related to space flight operation. They also have been adopted by
the European Space Agency [ESA, 1994] and provide an important basis for the
internationally agreed upon standards for International Space Station habitability
design [International Space Station Program, 1995].
In the present section, only a few selected issues of habitability will be addressed
which, considering the identified psychological issues in the foregoing chapters,
appear to be of general concern. The first issue relates to personal space and the
provision and design of individual crew quarters. Lack of privacy and the constant
presence of other people are among the most adverse psychosocial stressors of long-
term space flight and have been reported to impair individual well-being in other
analog environments [Connors et al., 1985]. Given the increased need for privacy
and the occurrence of territorial behavior under prolonged isolation and confine-
ment, the provision of sufficient personal space and private quarters represents an
important psychological countermeasure. Personal space needs increase with mis-
sion duration, but this requirement may be compromised by technical constraints.
However, clear information regarding the minimum acceptable habitable volume
per person during space flight is lacking, and the most recent studies still date back
to the 1960s [Fitts, 2000]. Furthermore, personal space needs can be expected to
vary considerably and depend on cultural issues, which make any general
recommendation difficult [Raybeck, 1991]. Even more important than consi-
derations about the size of space habitats are having individual quarters for each
crewmember. Periodic withdrawal from other crewmates, at least to a certain extent,
seems to be a healthy coping strategy for living in confined groups, and this should
be supported by the provision of private quarters for each crewmember [Connors et
al., 1985; Stuster, 1996]. Important functions and activities to be served by such
quarters are summarized in Table 6.2, and minimum size requirements for some of
these are located in NASA and ESA documents [ESA, 1994; NASA, 1995].
Perhaps the most important feature of individual crew quarters is efficient visual
and acoustical shielding. Whereas visual shielding might be sufficient to fulfill basic
privacy needs, acoustical shielding is important with respect to sleep. Given the
problem of sleep disturbances in space, individual crew quarters that are efficiently
designed to support undisturbed sleep belong to the most important counter-
measures related to habitability. Besides acoustical shielding, there also needs to be
provision of suitable and comfortable restraint systems for sleeping (e.g., sleeping
bags), possibilities to adjust the temperature of the sleeping area, and possibilities to
dim the light.
Another issue related to privacy regards the provision of private communication
lines that make it possible to communicate not only with family and friends on
Earth, but also with other confidants (e.g., crew surgeon or psychologist) without
being monitored by third parties (see also below, Section 6.7). Such private
Table 6.2. Important Functions and Activities to be Supported by Individual Crew

Quarters (In Priority Order).
Effective visual and acoustic shielding against the outside
Undisturbed sleep
Individual environmental control (e.g., adjustable lighting, temperature)
Private communication via audio/video transmission and e-mail
Donning and doffing of personal clothes
Stowage of personal items
Individual recreation (i.e., availability of compact entertainment devices)
Individually adjustable decor (e.g., paintings/pictures presented on screens, adjustable color

of lighting)
View outside the habitat
communication lines can include two-way video- and audio-transmissions as well as

e-mail, and they optimally should be accessible from individual crew quarters or at
least areas where undisturbed communication is possible.
Finally, individual crew quarters should provide possibilities for donning and
doffing clothes, for stowage of personal items, for individual recreation, and for
some kind of personalized décor (e.g., family pictures). Windows would be nice to
have in individual crew quarters but seem to be a feature that is dispensable when
other windows are available and easily accessible in the space habitat.
In addition to private crew quarters, the design of the habitat should provide
opportunities for common meetings and leisure activities of the entire crew. This
seems to be an important habitability factor with respect to support of crew cohe-
sion. The minimum equipment should include a table with enough room for all
crewmembers. Such a table can be used for common games or discussions, and it
also would provide a facility for common meals. Eating together has been found to
be an important factor in fostering communication between crewmembers, and it
can contribute to the prevention of decrements in crew cohesion [Stuster, 1996].
Another habitability factor is the interior décor, which can compensate for the
effects of the otherwise decreased range of environmental cues in a space habitat.
Even though there is anecdotal evidence that the interior décor (e.g., color,
paintings, pictures) can have an impact on individual well-being under prolonged
confinement and isolation, only few empirical studies have addressed this topic
[Stuster, 1996]. However, there is general agreement that the use of many different
colors should be avoided because this may result in visual over-saturation after
some time. In addition, the use of dark and highly saturated colors should be
restricted to small areas only. The most appropriate use involves a limited variety of
colors of medium brightness and saturation. Colors which are recommended include
cinnamon, beige, cream, maize, straw, ivory, white, pale yellow, and blue [NASA,
1995].
An important aspect of the use of colors is for the coding of location. Given the
enhanced significance of visual cues for orientation in space, where gravitational
cues are lacking, it is useful to provide a clear vertical structure of the habitat by
means of color as a countermeasure for problems of spatial orientation and
navigation in the habitat. In addition, the different psychological functions of
working areas and living quarters may be supported by different coloring. For
example, Raybeck [1991] suggests using excitatory colors (e.g., red, orange,
yellow) only in working areas and calming colors (e.g., green, blue) in rest areas.
The most detailed research with respect to other aspects of interior décor dates
back to a NASA/Ames research program which has become known as “functional
esthetics” and which has provided recommendations concerning the topics and
layouts of paintings and photographs most preferred under conditions of confine-
ment [Clearwater and Coss, 1991]. For example, it suggests that photographs
depicting spacious Earth-bound landscapes might be used to enhance psychological
comfort in confined settings. Future research on the preference of specific interior
design, and its impact on human behavior and performance, should be conducted
under conditions of isolation and confinement and should develop comprehensive
design recommendations. With regard to multi-cultural crews, possible cultural
differences must be considered in this research.
Windows represent another habitability factor which clearly can be ascribed a
psychological countermeasure function. Windows can promote well-being by
reducing sensory monotony and feelings of confinement and isolation, and they may
prevent the development of claustrophobic reactions [Haines, 1991]. Support for
this notion is provided by a number of anecdotal reports. For example, looking
outside the space habitat has been appreciated by cosmonauts and astronauts since
the first flights into orbit in Vostok or Mercury spacecraft [Haines, 1991], and it is
known that the first NASA astronauts spent much effort in convincing the engineers
to build a window in the Mercury spacecraft. Even though this request related to the
first seven NASA astronauts being pilots who used windows for flying their aircraft
[Wolfe, 1980], it turned out that windows also served an important psychological
function, particularly during prolonged space missions. This is nicely illustrated by
diary entries made by Russian cosmonaut Valentin Lebedev during his 211-day
Salyut 6 mission which describe the relaxing function of looking back to Earth
through the portholes of the space station [Lebedev, 1988]. After about 2 months in
space he wrote: “It’s getting more difficult to fly. Visual observations calm me
down” [p. 154]. It is further supported by the findings of Kelly and Kanas [1992] in
their survey of 54 cosmonauts and astronauts who had flown in space. They found
that “watching” activities were reported to be of increased importance during a
space flight. Thus, in a confined environment like a space habitat, windows not only
represent a “nice-to-have” feature of the habitat architecture, but they must be
regarded as an indispensable element of exceptional psychological significance.
6.3. Work design issues

Three aspects of work design and scheduling serve as effective psychological
countermeasures for impairments of individual well-being and performance. The
first aspect involves the provision of an appropriate daily load of tasks to the
astronauts (i.e., avoiding both overloading and underloading the astronauts during
their stay in space). Problems of overloading particularly can arise during short-term
space flights and the first weeks of long-term missions, which usually are busy due
to operational tasks and the interest of experimenters in investigating issues of
primary adaptation to space. This is illustrated, for example, by the experiences of
the Skylab 4 mission, where the crew felt considerably overloaded during the first
three weeks in space [Stuster, 1996]. It further is supported by an entry in the diary
of Valentin Lebedev after the first week of his 211-day space flight: “Today the
doctor told us that we’ve underslept 7 h and overworked 20 h. We have to
compensate for it somehow” [Lebedev, 1988, pp. 39–40]. Such overloading often
results from pressure to use the crew time for as many tasks as possible, combined
with an underestimation of the demands of adaptation and the time needed for
certain tasks in space. As has been shown in several studies, even tasks that have
been thoroughly practiced pre-launch on the ground may need more time in space,
at least during the first days when sufficient adaptation of the sensorimotor system
to microgravity has not yet been achieved [Kubis et al., 1977].
Overloading and prolonged work shifts can result in physical and mental
exhaustion and also raise the risk of crew error. This is suggested by studies on
Earth that show that the likelihood of making errors increases significantly after 8 h
of working [Nachreiner et al., 2000], as well as investigations of crew errors
during space flight that point to a relationship between crew errors and workload
[Nechaev, 2001]. Thus, appropriate timelining, which takes the specific constraints
of adaptation to space into account and which prevents an overloading of astronauts,
must be regarded as an important psychological countermeasure with impact on
well-being and performance.
After some weeks in space during long-term space mission, when everything has
settled into a routine, issues of boredom and monotony may prevail, and meaningful
work can be regarded as one of the most effective countermeasures for such
feelings. This is suggested by a number of anecdotal reports from astronauts and
from people who have lived and worked in analog environments [Stuster, 1996].
These reports suggest that boredom may amplify the adverse effects of confinement
and isolation, whereas continuous work can help one to cope with it. As has been
stated by the Russian cosmonaut V. Ryumin. “… work is the best cure for anxiety
and depression” [Bluth and Helppie, 1986, p. III-22]. According to Norm Thagard,
the first NASA astronaut to participate in a long-term Mir mission: “the single most
important psychological factor on a long-duration flight is to be meaningfully busy.
And, if you are, a lot of the other things sort of take care of themselves” [Herring,
1997, p. 44]. Thus, the psychological significance of work can change considerably
during a long-term mission. Whereas daily work hours must be limited and much
rest time provided during the early flight phase to reduce the load on the astronaut,
too much rest time and lack of meaningful work might become a psychological
problem during the course of a long-term mission.
A second countermeasure related to work in space involves maintenance of a
constant 24-h work-rest routine. As has long been known from Russian space
flights, stable work-rest schedules (i.e., constant sleeping and waking times) can
have a positive impact on crew well-being and performance efficiency. Strict 24-h
work-rest scheduling corresponding to conditions on Earth has been reported to
promote crew performance, whereas deviations and disturbances of work-rest
schedules from a strict 24-h regime have resulted in adverse effects (e.g., increased
risks of crew errors) [Litsov and Shevchenko, 1985; Nechaev, 2001]. One reason
for this is likely related to the effects of work-rest schedules on the circadian
system. As described in Chapter 2, the lack of natural diurnal time-cues
(“zeitgebers”) in space may affect the circadian system and contribute to sleep
disturbances. However, a free run of rhythms has never been reported, and this may
be taken as evidence that the lack of natural time cues can efficiently be
compensated for by external zeitgebers that keep the circadian system entrained to a
24-h sleep-wake regime. One of the most efficient external zeitgebers in space is a
strict work-rest schedule, and maintaining a constant 24-h work-rest schedule might
prevent performance decrements related to disturbances of circadian rhythms and
sleep. Yet during Space Shuttle, Soyuz, and International Space Station (ISS)
operations, a sleep shift in space may become necessary due to operational
constraints (e.g., to align the work-rest schedule of a crew with the expected times
of landing, or to align the work-rest schedule of ISS crews with those of visiting
crews). In order to avoid detrimental effects on well-being and performance, this
sleep shifting must be carefully planned and implemented, depending on the
direction of shifting (see Chapter 2 for details).
Finally, a countermeasure for dealing with possible impairments of work
satisfaction and motivation in space is to provide the crew with as much freedom as
possible to plan and schedule work tasks on their own initiative. Whereas this is not
possible during short-term space flights, where the task load is high and tasks need
to be strictly scheduled, it is more relevant during long-term space flights. Providing
some autonomy to the crew in adapting the scheduling of tasks to their current
workload may help to avoid over- or underload, which may be difficult to assess
from the ground. Tasks should be classified according to priority, and the crew
should have the freedom to decide when to perform “nice-to-have” tasks which are
not critical with respect to the time of performance. This has been an important
lesson learned from Skylab missions, where such a system helped to increase crew
efficiency during the longest flight (Skylab 4) [Douglas, 1991]. Similar experiences
have been reported from Russian missions. To refer once more to the Lebedev
diary: “Today is a medical day according to our program, but the FCC (i.e., flight
control center – added by authors) decided to give us the day off. Nevertheless we
made it a really hard working day by ourselves. …. We were filled with unhindered
versality and initiative. With our knowledge of the capabilities of our station and
equipment, along with our understanding of experimental goals, we were able to
schedule our activities efficiently and photograph what we wanted to. Previously
when we have had to adhere to rigid schedule formulated on the ground we waste a
lot of time; sometimes our work would be completed ahead the schedule, but we
would not be allowed to begin our next jobs until the time specified by the schedule.
So we just sat (and) wasted precious time, fuel and resources” [Lebedev, 1988,
pp. 279–280].
6.4. Selection and crew composition

6.4.1. General issues
In selecting people to become astronauts, it is important to evaluate individuals not
only in terms of absence of negative qualities (e.g., predisposition for mental illness,
psychopathological characteristics, difficulties with interpersonal relationships) but
also in terms of possessing positive traits (e.g., relevant operational skills and
training, maturity, stress tolerance, ability to get along with others). Accordingly,
two different aspects of selecting astronauts have been distinguished [Santy, 1994;
Santy and Jones, 1994]. The first involves using a psychiatric evaluation and
psychological tests that assess for psychopathology, with a focus on selecting-out
applicants who possess qualities that might represent a risk for behavioral health in
space. The second involves a psychological evaluation aimed at selecting-in the
fittest candidates with respect to specific positive psychological criteria.
Although psychiatric interviews and psychological tests are useful screening
devices, one’s reactions to space simulations, specific group exercises, and stress
testing also are revealing, since these situations can result in experiences that are
similar to those in space. These methods traditionally have been used in selecting
cosmonauts in the former Soviet Union and Russia, where psychological con-
siderations have played a major role from the very beginning of human space flight
[Beregovoy et al., 1987; Bluth and Helppie, 1986; Garshnek, 1989]. A similar
process also has been implemented successfully with Japanese candidates [Endo et
al., 1994; Sekiguchi et al., 1994] and with candidates selected by the European
Space Agency [Fassbender and Goeters, 1994].
In contrast, NASA historically has focused its selection process on select-out
procedures that used psychological tests and psychiatric evaluations. Even though
some select-in type of psychological testing was done with astronaut candidates
during the early Mercury program, this approach was stopped with the beginning of
the Shuttle era [Santy, 1994]. In the late 1980s, a NASA in-house working group
began to develop psychological select-in criteria for astronaut selection [Santy,
1994]. However, it took several years until an upgraded system of psychological
select-in tools for astronauts finally was implemented, mainly with respect to
upcoming long-duration space flights [Galarza and Holland, 1999a]. Currently, all
space agencies involved with ISS operations recruit their astronauts using
psychiatric and psychological selection strategies that combine select-out and select-
in approaches that usually occur at the time that individuals are screened in their
application to become astronaut candidates.
Another selection issue relates to composing crews of individuals who are most
compatible to each other. This is of particular importance for long-term space
missions and has been a concern in the Russian (Soviet) space program from the
beginning of long-term flights in the orbital station Salyut 6 [Bluth and Helppie,
1986; Gazenko, 1980]. Since the composition of crews usually is known well in
advance, this has allowed the interactions of crewmembers to be observed as they
trained together on Earth. However, specific issues might arise if during future
missions (e.g., on the ISS) crew composition may be staggered, allowing some
crewmembers to remain in space for several months while others are sent up to join
them from time to time. This situation creates the potential for interpersonal
conflicts to occur which may endanger mission success. Work needs to be done to
develop simple, quick methods of assessing potential incompatibilities. Given the
availability of such measures, it would be possible to test potential crewmembers
before launch, and whenever a major turnover was anticipated, these results could
be examined for warnings that suggested possible intrapsychic and interpersonal
problems in the proposed new mix of crewmembers.
6.4.2. Select-out: avoiding psychopathology

The emphasis of psychiatric screening is to select-out people who, compared with
established psychiatric standards, appear to be disqualified to become astronauts.
Typically, this approach includes screening procedures that aim at identifying those
few among all applicants who have had psychopathological episodes in their
biographical or family history, who have documented psychopathology, or who are
likely to decompensate under the conditions characteristic of the space environment.
Many of these issues have been considered in Chapter 5.
These psychiatric evaluations usually follow standard medical practices that
have been used for decades in aviation and space medicine. Commonly
implemented methods involve structured clinical interviews that include detailed
psychiatric histories based on the DSM or ICD classification systems of diseases
[Endo et al., 1994; Santy et al., 1993]. In addition, specific methods of addressing
mental status, as well as clinical psychological tests for detecting psychopathology
(e.g., personality questionnaires like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory or projective tests like the Rorschach inkblot test) are applied. However,
since astronaut applicants usually come from a highly selected pool of the general
population where the prevalence rate of psychopathology is low to begin with, only
a few candidates are usually disqualified for psychiatric reasons. For example, using
structured clinical interviews for the psychiatric screening of 106 NASA astronaut
candidates based on the DSM III-R classification of diseases, only 9 (8.5%)
applicants met criteria for a psychiatric problem (Table 6.3), and only 2 (1.9%) of
them were disqualified on purely psychiatric grounds [Santy et al., 1993]. Similar
procedures that were used for selecting Japanese astronaut candidates resulted in the
disqualification of only 2 out of 45 (4.4%) applicants [Endo et al., 1994]. Never-
theless, select-out methods of psychiatric evaluation must be regarded as an
important and indispensable element of current astronaut selection. They might
become even more important with respect to future specialized expedition-type
missions (e.g., to Mars or beyond), where potential crewmembers may be under
special scrutiny and where the risks of behavioral and mental illness will likely be
increased due to the long duration of the mission and the unusual stressors to be
expected (see Chapter 7).
Table 6.3. DSM-III-R Diagnoses Among a Sample of 106 NASA Astronaut Applicants.
Adapted from Santy et al. [1993].
DSM III-R-Diagnosis Number of Applicants
Axis I
Dream anxiety disorder 1
Major depressive disorder (single episode) 2
Axis II
Personality disorder, NOS (avoidant and dependent features) 1
V-Code
Life circumstance problem 2
Bereavement (grief reaction) 1
Marital problem 2
Total 9 (8.5% of group)
6.4.3. Select-in: the “right stuff”

It is more difficult to develop assessment tools to select the best individuals for the
astronaut corps from a pool of healthy applicants. Select-in approaches aim at
identifying individuals who, concerning their basic capabilities, personality
characteristics, and interpersonal skills, can be expected to meet the specific
operational and psychosocial demands of (long-duration) space missions. Assess-
ment tools used for this purpose can include performance tests, personality
questionnaires, analyses of biographical data, behavioral observations during speci-
fic group exercises, and interviews [Beregovoy et al., 1987; Fassbender and
Goeters, 1994; Santy, 1994; Sekiguchi et al., 1994]. In addition, analyses of
psychophysiological reactions and individual stress resistance assessed by reactions
to specific stressors (e.g., parachute jumping, isolation chamber tests) always have
been used for select-in purposes in Russia [Beregovoy et al., 1987; Garshnek,
1989]. Comparing the different select-in approaches applied in Russia, Japan,
Canada, Europe, and the U.S., there seems to be overall agreement that at least the
following aspects need to be considered in evaluating psychological fitness for
space flight: motivation, relevant biographical experiences, cognitive and psycho-
motor capabilities, personality traits related to stress-coping, personality traits
related to interpersonal behavior, interpersonal and team-work skills, and, parti-
cularly with regard to ISS missions, cross-cultural competence. Yet the weighting of
these different aspects may differ according to the specific population of applicants
and the professional functions for which the astronaut candidates are being
recruited. For example, testing cognitive and psychomotor capabilities might be
important if scientists are recruited who later may have to perform operational tasks,
but these might be waived if astronauts are recruited from a population of
experienced test pilots where such capabilities can be assumed to be already well-
developed.
However, most of the currently used select-in systems for astronaut candidates
have not been based on systematic research on which individual characteristics best
predict efficient work in space [Santy, 1994]. Instead, most of the current attempts
to define select-in factors for astronaut selection have been based primarily on
expert judgments, which may seem to be plausible and sometimes self-evident but
usually lack empirical validation. One of the most recent set of such factors, cur-
rently used by NASA, is shown in Table 6.4. It is based on analyses of available
research and anecdotal information from analog environments, as well as expert
ratings from 20 Russian, European, and American astronauts and mission support
experts [Galarza and Holland, 1999a, b]. A comprehensive review of psychological
select-in criteria used in Russia, Japan, and Europe is provided by Santy [1994].
Table 6.4. Critical Psychological Factors Required for Long-Duration (LDM) and Short-
Duration (SDM) Space Missions. Criticality refers to the expert ranking of the
factors with respect to their importance for LDM and SDM, respectively. Adapted
from Galarza and Holland [1999b].
Factor Selected Sample Proficiencies Criticality Criticality

for LDM for SDM
Mental/emotional Freedom from mental disorder, 1 2

stability emotional stability, self-control,
self-confidence
Performance under Ability to perform under threat to life 2 1

stressful conditions stress and stressful conditions, flexibility
and adaptability, ability to cope with
limited personal stress
Group living skills Group living and interaction skills, 3 7

adaptability to crew diversity,
multicultural adaptability
Teamwork skills Conflict resolution and cooperation, 4 4

priority of team over personal goals,
followership skill
Family issues Ability to cope with prolonged 5 6

separation from family and friends
Motivation Achievement motivation, intrinsic work 6 8

motivation, perseverance, goal
orientation
Judgment/decision Exercising sound judgment, situational 7 3

making awareness and vigilance
Conscientiousness Responsibility, attention to detail, 8 5

integrity
Communication Interpersonal communication skills 9 9
Leadership Team leadership, effective resource 10 10

capability management, accountability
Longitudinal studies that empirically relate individual characteristics to actual

behavior and performance during short-term or long-term space flight are still
missing, and it will remain difficult to conduct such studies in the future with a
sufficient number of subjects, given the current small number of crew members
from the different space agencies during ISS missions. However, what has been
done recently, and what may be pursued in the future, is to conduct relevant
research in analog settings (i.e., Antarctica, simulation studies) [Palinkas et al., 2000
a, b; Rosnet et al., 2000; Sandal et al., 1996]. Another approach has involved
validating possible select-in factors by using criteria of astronaut effectiveness dur-
ing short-term space missions and training sessions that are derived from peer and
supervisor ratings [McFadden et al., 1994; Rose et al., 1994].
The main issue addressed in this research is: what kinds of people have the best
personality – the so-called “right stuff” – to undergo the rigors of a long-duration
space mission? One way of categorizing personality has been in terms of positive
and negative instrumental and expressive traits, respectively. Instrumental traits (I)
are related to goal-seeking and achievement motivation. In a positive sense (I+) they
include a strong goal-orientation and a high need of achievement. Negative
Instrumentality (I-) is reflected in attributes like being arrogant, dictatorial and
egoistic in striving for work goals. Expressive traits (E) relate to characteristics of
behavior in interpersonal relationships with positive expressivity (E+) including
attributes like kindness, warmth and emotionality, and negative expressivity (E-)
including aspects of verbal aggressiveness and negative communion (e.g. being
servile, submissive, gullible) [Spence et al., 1979].
A methodology has emerged that has clustered people along these traits, and this
has been found to be useful in both aviation and space populations [Chidester et al.,
1991; McFadden et al., 1994; Musson et al., 2004; Musson and Helmreich, 2005].
Three important personality groupings have emerged. The first one represents a
positive instrumental/expressive cluster. Individuals in this group show elevated
instrumental and positive expressive traits and can be characterized as people who
work hard to achieve their goal but take the needs and desires of others into account
at the same time. The second grouping represents a negative instrumental cluster
characterized by individuals showing, on the one hand, elevated instrumental traits
and a comparatively high level of competitiveness, but on the other hand, low
positive expressive traits. Such individuals may strive hard for their goals but are
not team-players. The third grouping represents a low motivation cluster, which
includes individuals showing generally low levels of positive instrumental and
expressive traits.
Studies involving these clusters have shown them to be robust and have related
them to aircraft pilot attitudes, command responsibility, stressor recognition, and
training [Chidester et al., 1991]. The positive instrumental/expressive cluster was
found to be predictive for efficient stress coping in a military context and in
situations analogous to short-term space flight [Sandal et al., 1996, 1998]. For
example, Sandal et al. [1996] investigated crews participating in confinement stu-
dies in hyperbaric chambers lasting between 30 and 60 days. Individuals showing
the positive instrumental/expressive profile showed superior coping that was
reflected in higher self-reported well-being and lower anxiety during confinement.
More direct evidence that this personality profile might be predictive for astronaut
performance has been provided by McFadden et al. [1994]. In their study, they
classified a total of 65 NASA astronauts according to the different personality
clusters and contrasted them on peer and supervisory ratings of different aspects of
astronaut effectiveness (i.e. interpersonal competence, technical competence,
leadership competence, overall job performance). The results suggested that positive
instrumentality/expressiveness was associated with higher peer evaluations of job
and interpersonal competence. They also suggested that whereas technical job
competence might not be predicted by personality characteristics alone, peer ratings
of interpersonal competence are indeed predictable by expressive traits related to
interpersonal sensitivity and concern.
Other analyses involving the same astronaut data have addressed relationships
between peer and supervisor ratings of astronaut effectiveness and five global
personality traits, referred to as the “Big Five” [Rose et al., 1994]. These include
Neuroticism (i.e., being emotionally instable, nervous, anxious, depressive, hostile);
Extraversion (i.e., being sociable, talkative, impulsive, assertive); Openness to
Experience (i.e., being interested, intellectual, original); Agreeableness (i.e., being
cooperative, good-natured, tolerant); and Conscientiousness (i.e., being achievement-
oriented, responsible, organized) [Digmann, 1990; McCrea and Costa, 1987]. The
results of these analyse are provided in Table 6.5.
The data suggest that Agreeableness is a good predictor of interpersonal
competence, as well as the other peer and supervisor competency areas shown in the
table. This fits well with the findings of the predictive value of expressive traits,
which were described above, as well as with other data from a recent astronaut
selection study that showed Agreeableness to be closely related to aspects of
positive expressivity [Musson et al., 2004]. However, other relationships are not as
straight-forward. For example, the negative relationship between Openness to
Table 6.5. Bivariate Correlations (n = 65) Between the “Big Five” Personality Traits and
Different Criteria of Astronaut Effectiveness. Source: Rose et al., [1994].
Peer-Ratings
Supervisor
Rating of Job
Interpersonal Technical Leadership
Performance
Competence Competence Competence
Neuroticism –.119 –.107 –.092 –.205
Extraversion
.124 .040 .033 .147
Openness to
.220 –.376* –.335* –.277*
Experience
Agreeableness .408* .268* .328* .286*
Conscientiousness –.109 –.147 –.133 –.173
* p < .05
Experience and supervisor-rated job performance is surprising. In addition, the lack

of relationship between Conscientiousness and job performance is in contrast to
findings suggesting that this personality trait correlates with the Positive
Instrumentality/Expressivity cluster [Musson et al., 2004] and has also been found
to be a good predictor of work performance in other work domains [Barrick and
Mount, 1991]. These discrepancies might be related to the relatively small sample
size in this study. In addition, since all of the astronauts involved with these studies
had only experienced short-term space flight, it remains unclear whether the
findings can be extrapolated to long-term missions.
Another approach identifying individual characteristics that predict for efficient
coping and adaptation during long-term space flight has involved secondary
analyses of archival data from 657 men who spent the austral winter in an Antarctic
station [Palinkas et al., 2000a]. The predictors used in these analyses involved
social/demographic characteristics (e.g., age, marital status), personality charac-
teristics classified according to the Big Five system, and interpersonal characteristics
(e.g., interpersonal needs). Individual performance criteria were derived from peer
and supervisor ratings, the number of times they were nominated by their fellows as
an ideal candidate for wintering-over, and the level of depressive symptoms
obtained from self-reports. The results of this study suggested that the ideal
candidates for long-duration missions under conditions of confinement and isolation
have relatively low levels of neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness, and
show a low desire of affection of others. These results are partially in line with
findings of Rosnet et al. [2000], who found indications that people scoring low in
extraversion and assertiveness were better adapted to a wintering-over in Antarctica.
Further relationships between personality characteristics and performance during
winter-over emerged in another analysis of the Palinkas et al. [2000b] data. Among
other findings, the need for order was inversely related to peer and supervisor
ratings of emotional stability and leadership, and the need for achievement showed a
negative correlation to ratings of social compatibility. However, the predictive
power of personality characteristics was weak, with the differences in individual
characteristics accounting for only 2–4% of the variance in the different criteria.
Again, the conclusiveness of these results for contemporary long-duration space
missions might be questioned, given that Antarctica certainly is a good but by no
means a perfect analog for space, and given the fact that these results are based on
analyses of relatively old data (i.e., from the 1960s and 1970s) of a specific
population (i.e. all men from one nation).
Nevertheless, studies like these or like the one by McFadden et al. [1994] and
Rose et al. [1994] represent first steps in providing empirical data for defining what
might be the “right stuff“ for long-term space missions. More work in this area
needs to be done during space flight, ground-based simulations, and selected analog
environments in order to establish select-in methods for astronaut selection that are
grounded on sound empirical evidence.
6.4.4. Crew composition: the problem of interpersonal compatibility

It is recommended that only “psychologically compatible” crews be chosen for
long-term space missions in order to ensure good crew performance and smooth
interpersonal interactions under conditions of confinement and isolation. But what

does it mean to be psychologically compatible? One important aspect of
psychological compatibility refers to the harmony of individual personality cha-
racteristics of confined crewmembers; i.e., their needs, traits, attitudes, and capabi-
lities (see Chapter 4). However, this kind of interpersonal compatibility is a very
complex issue that has not been fully understood [Kubis, 1972; Manzey et al., 1995;
Morgan and Lassiter, 1992].
One influential theoretical approach has been the model of need compatibility
proposed by Haythorn and colleagues [Haythorn, 1970; Haythorn et al., 1972].
According to this model, the psychological compatibility of crewmembers is depen-
dent upon congruency in areas that require a similarity for individuals to get their
needs mutually satisfied (e.g., need of affiliation or achievement), as well as
complementarity in areas where a dissimilar need-structure leads to mutual need
satisfaction (e.g., need for dominance versus submissiveness). What has to be
avoided, according to this model, are competitive needs that may lead to inter-
personal tension and open conflict in small groups. Support for this concept has
been provided by a number of simulation studies [e.g., Altman and Haythorn, 1967;
Smith and Haythorn, 1972]. For example, one consistent finding of this research
relates to negative effects on crew interactions if two or more crewmembers possess
a high need for dominance. This has been found to cause interpersonal struggles,
subgroup formations, and even isolation of single crewmembers during recent
ground-based simulations of space flight [Sandal et al., 1995].
Another facet of psychological compatibility is derived from the results of
general group research. Several studies have addressed the question of how the
mixture of Big Five personality traits within a work team affects team cohesion and
performance [Barrick et al., 1998; Barry and Stewart, 1997; van Vianen and de
Dreu, 2001]. Even though the results of this research do not provide a completely
conclusive pattern, they suggest that the social cohesion, communication, and
performance of a work group are improved if the members all show high levels of
Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. In contrast, a good mix of extraverted and
introverted members seems to be related to social cohesion, as long as no single
member is introverted to an extreme degree. This latter finding has been related to
issues of leadership and followership and fits well with considerations about need
complementarity, presented above [Barrick et al., 1998; Barry and Stewart, 1997].
Furthermore, the results of this research suggest that individuals who are highly
disagreeable and neurotic may be especially disruptive to the group, leading to
lower degrees of performance, cohesion, and open communication, and to more
conflicts. However, since all of this research has been performed with ordinary
work teams, it remains to be seen if the results can be generalized to crewmembers
living and working together under conditions of isolation and confinement.
Finally, also common sense considerations might be taken into account for an
understanding of psychological compatibility. For example, it can be assumed that
factors like shared interests, a shared system of values and norms, or a positive
emotional attitude to each other will have positive effects on crew cohesion and
performance. And for multi-cultural crews fluency in a common language certainly
represents a basic requirement of interpersonal compatibility [Kelly and Kanas,

1992].
A preliminary but by no means comprehensive list of personality factors and
other individual characteristics that may affect psychological compatibility is
summarized in Table 6.6.
This list corresponds in part to personality aspects that Russian space psycho-
logists have considered in forming space crews. According to Santy, these aspects
include “similarity of crew members’ values; social and motivational attitudes
toward performance of work; a combination of complementary personality and
character traits, with the commander having predominantly positive personality
traits and qualities; complementary objective/productive cognitive styles; comple-
mentary job-related skills; positive emotional attitudes of crew members toward
each other; crew members who learn rapidly and efficiently” [Santy, 1994, pp. 193–94].
Yet the theoretical and empirical basis for such a list is weak. The main body of
western compatibility research dates back to the 1960s and 1970s. Most of this
research has addressed mono-cultural dyads and triads confined for relatively short
periods of time, and very little systematic research has been conducted since then.
A related problem concerns the assessment of psychological compatibility.
Based on the findings with respect to personality traits and the need compatibility
theory, one approach might be to compose crews according to their answers on
Table 6.6. Important Personality Factors that Affect Compatibility.
Compatibility Factor Description
Homogeneity of personality traits Crewmembers have similar (high) levels of

Agreeableness and Conscientiousness
Complementary needs Crewmembers have different needs that

complement each other (e.g., dominance
versus submissiveness).
Congruent needs Crewmembers have similar needs that can

be mutually satisfied (e.g., affiliation,
autonomy, achievement).
Shared interests The extent to which crewmembers share

common interests (e.g. reading, game
playing, music, politics, sports).
Shared values and norms The extent to which crewmembers share a

common system of values, beliefs, and
behavioral norms.
Emotional attitude to each other The extent to which crewmembers like and
respect each other.
Common language The extent to which crewmembers are able

to express their own feelings and thoughts
appropriately in a common language
standardized personality or attitude questionnaires. For example, one questionnaire

which has often been used in compatibility research to investigate the similarity of
interpersonal needs is the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation –
Behavior (FIRO – B) test [Dunlap, 1965; Ferguson, 1970; Haythorn and Altman,
1963; Palinkas et al., 2000a], and similar psychometric questionnaires are available
in many languages for assessing the Big Five personality traits (e.g. NEO-PI-R)
[Costa and McCrae, 1992]. However, this approach remains limited to analyses of
individual questionnaire data and does not include behavioral aspects of
compatibility, like the ability of crewmembers to coordinate their activities effi-
ciently or to communicate with each other in a clear and cooperative manner. For
this reason, Russian space psychologists base their compatibility assessments not
only on analyses of individual personality profiles but also on observations of the
interactions of potential crewmembers during training with compatibility tests like
the “Homoestat” test [Gazenko, 1980; Novikov, 1991; Santy, 1994].
Another approach that assesses compatibility using behavioral observations
involves techniques derived from assessment center (AC) methods of selection.
These methods include behavioral exercises (e.g., group discussions, role plays,
presentations) where the performance of an individual or a group of individuals is
assessed by a team of experienced judges based on a given set of evaluation criteria.
In particular, AC methods often are used to evaluate the interpersonal or teamwork
skills of candidates for managerial positions [Thornton and Byham, 1982]. How-
ever, they also might be used to assess the psychological compatibility of crews
going to live and work in confined and isolated environments. This has been shown
by the application of AC methods for selecting the most compatible four crew-
members out of a group of ten candidates for a 60-day confinement study conducted
by the European Space Agency [Manzey et al., 1995]. In this approach, a team of
judges consisting of two psychologists, one experienced flight surgeon, and the
commander of a crew that had participated in a similar simulation study before,
observed different constellations of candidates performing different behavioral
exercises. These exercises included two different kinds of group discussion, one
role-play, one presentation exercise, and one construction exercise where the candi-
dates were assigned a construction problem which they had to work cooperatively to
solve. Based on their observations of crew interactions and performance in these
exercises and a defined set of evaluation criteria, the judges assessed the
compatibility of the candidates with regard to their interpersonal and leadership
skills and finally selected four crewmembers who then became the prime crew for
the simulation study [Manzey et al., 1995].
However, the compatibility of individual characteristics represents only one
aspect of crew composition. Other factors that must be considered include crew size,
gender mix, and cultural background, which have been discussed in some detail in
Chapter 4. Particular attention also should be given to minority status in crew
composition so that an individual does not feel isolated on the basis of national
origin, gender, or work role. If small crew size and operational considerations do
not allow for a balance in these areas during crew selection, then additional
attention needs to be given to discussing issues of diversity and cultural differences
during pre-launch training. In any case, potential crews should be observed in
mission simulation and other relevant group activities prior to launch to test for
compatibility and performance.
Several factors related to the mission itself can have an impact on the
compatibility and cohesion of space crews. In their survey of 54 astronauts and
cosmonauts who had flown in space, Kelly and Kanas [1992] looked at issues
related to communication that enhanced intra-crew compatibility in space. Of nine
factors that were felt to possibly influence crew communication, four were rated as
significantly helping: Shared Experience, Excitement of Space Flight, Close
Quarters, and Isolation from Earth. Three others were judged to hinder communi-
cation: Facial Swelling, Spacecraft Ambient Noise, and Space Sickness. These
findings suggest that a bonding experience may occur among space travelers who
are physically close to one another, who share common experiences, and who are
involved with the same activity in a positive, emotionally exciting manner.
6.5. Training
Training aims at preparing astronaut candidates or crewmembers for the
psychological demands of space flight. It complements the crew selection process
and focuses on the further development of behavior and performance with respect to
the specific job demands of astronauts. However, compared to selection, experi-
ences with psychological training for astronauts are limited. Psychological training
has always been provided to Russian cosmonauts in preparation for space missions,
but little information has been published about the nature of this training. According
to some sources, it has focused on stress management techniques, such as relaxation
training and the familiarization with stressful events in field exercises like survival
training or parachuting [Garshnek, 1989; Santy, 1994]. American approaches during
the Shuttle/Mir program were limited to a few theoretical briefings to crewmembers
and their families about psychological and psychiatric issues. In Europe,
psychological training has been provided to a group of five German astronauts as
part of their basic medical training [Manzey and Schiewe, 1992; Manzey et al.,
1995]. The current ISS program has brought more attention to this area. Currently,
almost all of the partners involved in ISS operations are engaged in implementing
some kind of basic psychological training for their astronauts, and even more
advanced training has been provided during specific field exercises (e.g., in the
outdoors or in isolation chambers). In what follows, three questions of
psychological training for space flight will be addressed: who should be trained,
what should be trained and what kind of training can be applied?
6.5.1. Who should be trained?

Most psychological training activities have centered on the astronauts who are
potential members of space crews. However, with respect to the efficient co-
working of space crews and ground personnel, it seems to be necessary to involve
both crewmembers and mission control personnel in pre-mission training,
sometimes together, since these two groups are mutually dependent in conducting
the activities of a space mission. Consequently, it is important that both groups
understand the mission’s goals and communicate clearly with each other. Issues that
have to be addressed relate to disturbances of communication between space and
ground personnel that might develop during long-duration space missions (see
Chapter 4). One issue involves the empathy of people in mission control for specific
situations in space. Astronauts have requested more attention from the ground and
have complained about a lack of empathy from mission control personnel for the
difficulties they face in space [Gushin et al., 1997]. In addition, crewmembers
working under conditions of isolation and confinement may experience tension and
maladaptive interpersonal relationships that they cannot resolve openly. As a result,
they may withdraw from one another and exhibit territorial behavior. They also may
displace tension and negative emotions to people in the “outgroup” of mission
control who are monitoring their behavior. As mentioned in Chapter 4, this
displacement can interfere with the crew-ground relationship and lead to ingroup/
outgroup communication problems. Consequently, mission control personnel who
interact with space crewmembers need to be sensitized to the different psycho-
logical issues likely to arise during the mission. Parts of this sensitization might be
achieved in separate training sessions, but to develop a common rapport,
consideration should be given to training crewmembers together with key members
of their mission control support staff.
6.5.2. Towards a competency model for astronauts

The effective psychological training of astronauts (and mission control personnel)
requires that mission-relevant behavioral competencies (and associated knowledge,
skills and attitudes) be identified and used in the training curriculum. Ideally, these
competencies should be based on both theoretical analyses as well as relevant
experiences and lessons learned from actual space missions. A first attempt to
define a comprehensive list of behavioral competencies was recently undertaken by
the ISS Mission Operations Directorate. In coordination with the International
Training Control Board (ITCB) of the ISS program, a working group that included
experts and specialists from different disciplines (e.g., astronauts, training
engineers, psychologists) and all major ISS international partners was tasked to
develop the so-called “ISS Human Behavior and Performance Competency Model”
[ISS Mission Operations Directorate ITCB Training Working Group, 2007a]. This
model included a total of 25 specific competencies that were classified into seven
behavioral categories. Each competency was further defined by different behavioral
markers (i.e., described in terms of directly observable and assessable behaviors). In
addition, relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes related to these competencies were
identified [ISS Mission Operations Directorate ITCB Training Working Group,
2007b]. Although the current model was primarily developed as a basis for
developing a training curriculum for astronauts, parts of it are also relevant and
easily adaptable to training mission control personnel.
An overview of this model, with the overall structure of competencies and
selected behavioral examples, is provided in Table 6.7. The first four categories of
competencies considered in this model (Self-care and Management, Team-work and
Group Living, Leadership, and Cross-cultural) include categories that are parti-
cularly relevant for long-duration space missions involving crewmembers who will
live and work together in a small multinational crew under conditions of isolation
and confinement. These categories will now be discussed in detail.
“Self-care and Management” comprises competencies that are needed to cope
with the demands and stress of long-duration space flights on an individual level in
Table 6.7. Behavioral Categories and Competencies of the ISS Human Behavior and
Performance Competency Model. ISS Mission Operations Directorate ITCB HBP
Training Working Group [2007a].
Categories and Competencies Behavioral Marker (Example)
Self-care and Management

Seeks formal and informal feedback to
Refine accuracy of self-image
understand impact of own behaviors on
others
Manage stress Takes action to prevent and mitigate
stress, negative mood, and low morale
Care for one-self Maintains social relationships
Maintain efficiency Keeps items organized
Team-work and Group Living

Active team participation Acts cooperatively rather than
competitively
Interpersonal relationships Provides emotional support to
crewmembers
Group Living Balances own needs with those of

crewmembers
Leadership
Execution of designated leader’s authority Adapts leadership style to situation
Mentoring skills Provides direction, information,

feedback, and encouragement and
coaching as needed
Followership Supports leader
Workload management Plans and prioritizes tasks
Cross-cultural
Demonstrate respect towards other cultures Demonstrates respect and appreciation
(national, professional, organizational) for team members’ culture(s) and
viewpoints
Understand culture and cultural differences Acknowledges the impact of cultural
(national, organizational, and professional) dominance on crew interaction
Builds and maintains social and working Demonstrates tolerance of cultural
relationships differences and ambiguities
(Continued)
Table 6.7. (Continued)
Categories and Competencies Behavioral Marker (Example)
Intercultural communication and Makes an effort to use and learn the

language skills language of colleagues
Commitment to multi-cultural work Puts a common “space-faring culture”
ahead of one’s own national,
organizational and professional culture
Communication
Optimize communication Communicates information clearly and
concisely; provides constructive feedback
Ensure Understanding Listens “actively”; verifies information
Conflict Management
Conflict prevention Prevents disagreements from influencing
personal and professional relationships
Conflict resolution Adapts conflict management strategies to
resolve disagreements
Situational Awareness
Maintenance of an accurate perception of Monitors people, systems and environment
the situation
Processing of information Identifies and resolves discrepancies

between conflicting data or information
Decision-making and problem-solving
Decision-making and problem-solving Adopts methods that meet situational
methods demands
Preparation of decision Assembles facts; considers different
options; evaluates risks and benefits
Execution of decision Executes decision; checks results of
decision and if necessary, reapplies
process
order to ensure that performance efficiency is sustained throughout the mission.

Four competencies are identified that include: a realistic self-image with respect to
performance capabilities under the impact of specific physical and psychological
stressors in space (“refine accuracy of self-image”); diverse skills that help to
manage stress in space (“manage stress”); and ability to maintain a good mood and
behavioral health (“care for one-self”) as well as a high performance efficiency
during a space flight (“maintain efficiency”). Specific trainable skills related to this
category of competencies include time management techniques as well as
techniques related to relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, or autogenic training to
calm one-self in situations of high workload or tension and to lower anxious arousal
by controlling autonomic functions. The latter may also obviate the use of
medications during stressful periods in space and may even help to control space
sickness [Cowings and Toscano, 2000].
“Team-work and Group Living” include a strong team orientation that is
reflected in team-work-related attitudes and skills (“active team participation”), such
as the readiness to put common goals above individual needs, a cooperative instead
of a competitive work attitude, and skills related to proactively supporting other
crew members in their tasks. In addition, diverse skills are needed to establish and
maintain positive and trustful relationships with others, and to actively care about
the integration of all crew members (“interpersonal relationships”). The “group
living” competence mainly involves attitudes and skills necessary for a common life
under isolation and confinement. Important factors include the readiness to balance
one’s needs with the needs of other’s during co-living in space, as well as skills
supporting a positive team spirit and a good team-cohesion within the crew.
“Leadership” competencies are related to the specific demands of commanders
of space crews. One important competence addresses the “execution of the
designated leader’s authority”. This includes diverse management skills as well as a
flexibility to adjust leadership behavior to the specific situational demands. The
latter is mainly reflected in a good balancing of task and supportive leadership roles
(see Section 4.6), which also constitutes an important lesson learned from previous
space missions and analog environments on Earth [Nicholas and Penwell, 1995;
Stuster, 1996]. Other competences in this category include “mentoring skills”, such
as directing other crewmembers by providing feedback, consultation, and
encouragement; “followership”, which mainly involves aspects of subordination and
acceptance of authority, but also the support of the crew leader; and “workload
management”, which are related to specific skills of effective human resource
management, delegation, and balancing of workload within a crew [Helmreich and
Foushee, 1993].
“Cross-cultural” competencies have gained particular importance during the last
decade due to the construction of the International Space Station. As was described
in Section 4.2.2, the “multi-culture” aspect of ISS operations is not limited to the
different ethnic or national background of the crewmembers and mission control
support personnel. It also involves issues arising from a mix of participants from
different space-related organizations and different professional backgrounds. These
individuals interact not only during the space missions themselves, but also during
pre-launch training, which might involve prolonged stays in other countries and
cooperation with other organizations. Some competencies in this category address
respect for differences and information that helps in understanding the behavior of
people from other cultures, organizations, and professions (“demonstrate respect of
other cultures”; “understand culture and cultural differences”). Other competencies
include skills based on relating and communicating with members of other cultures
(“builds and maintains social and working relationships”, “intercultural
communication and language skills”) and an attitude of transcending specific
cultural issues for the sake of the group (“commitment to multi-cultural work”).
The remaining four categories in Table 6.7 include competencies that are needed
to efficiently cope with the operational demands of a space mission (e.g., piloting,
operating technical systems, conducting experiments, dealing with emergencies).

Actually they show considerable overlap with what has been referred as crew
resource management (CRM) skills in aviation and other operational environments
(see Section 6.5.3.3, below)
“Communication” competencies include the application of knowledge and skills
in order to ensure a high efficiency of interpersonal communication during common
operational work. These include specific skills needed for both sending and
receiving communication. Good “sender” competence (“optimize communication”),
for example, is characterized by providing important information in a timely and
precise manner, providing feedback to others in a constructive way, or actively
requesting inputs from others. Competence on the receiver side (“ensure
understanding”), is reflected by active listening skills, acknowledgement and
verification of received information, and proactive effort to identify and overcome
possible sources of misunderstanding.
“Conflict Management” relates to knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for
“conflict prevention” and, if this fails, “conflict resolution” of interpersonal
problems during operational activities. These include specific communicational
skills, as well as aspects of emotional control. In addition, the “establishment and
maintenance of a rational and mutually respectful atmosphere” is essential.
“Situational Awareness” competencies relate to appropriate evaluations and
assessments of operational situations. Originally, the term was introduced to
describe the way operators interact with dynamic technical systems [Endsley, 1995].
In the competency model, this concept is enlarged to consider not only aspects of
relating with technical systems but also with other individuals. Two specific
competencies are distinguished. The first includes aspects of appropriately
perceiving and monitoring all relevant aspects of a given operational situation
(“maintenance of an accurate perception of the situation”); e.g., monitoring all
important information sources available on-board a spacecraft, as well as
monitoring one’s own performance state and the state of other crewmembers. The
second competency includes the capability to understand this information and to
initiate appropriate action in case a situation deviates from nominal conditions
(“processing of information”).
“Decision-making and Problem-solving” constitute important elements of all
kinds of operational work. The two basic competencies and related behavioral skills
included in this category are “preparation of decision” and “execution of decision”.
These are highly influenced by the FOR-DEC model, a heuristic method for
structured decision-making originally developed for application on flight decks
[Hoermann, 1995]. According to this model, the preparation for effective decisions
involves three steps: the sampling of all facts relevant for the decision, a systematic
analysis of the different options available, and an evaluation of the risks and
benefits associated with each option. Based on this preparation, further decision-
making involves the decision itself, its implementation in terms of concrete actions,
and a check on whether or not these actions finally have led to the desired outcome.
It is not possible to address all of the competencies described above in a single
training event. Thus, a careful evaluation needs to be made with respect to which
kinds of competencies might be taken for granted (e.g., as a result of effective
psychological selection), which may be dealt with on-the-job (e.g., as part of

technical training), and which might require specific psychological training events.
The last of these is related to another consideration, namely, the kinds of
psychological training that are effective for both astronauts and mission control
personnel.
6.5.3. Kinds of training

At least three complementary approaches of psychological training can be
distinguished which might be used to teach and train relevant competencies and
associated knowledge, skills and abilities identified in the competency model: (1)
briefings, lectures, and workshops, (2) field exercises, and (3) crew-oriented
sensitivity and team-building training.
6.5.3.1. Briefings, lectures, and workshops
Briefings, lectures, and workshops are the most common and easy-to-implement
methods of training. Empirical work with military pilots suggests that astronauts and
mission control personnel who are operationally-oriented may specifically prefer
briefings that are problem-focused and oriented toward direct action, as compared
with other forms of information exchange [Picano, 1990]. These methods may in
fact be the best choice, particularly for basic and advanced training that addresses
general knowledge and attitudes, independent of a specific mission assignment.
Therefore, they must be regarded as important training elements for addressing the
different competency categories described above. Take, for example, competencies
of related to “Self-care and Management”. Specific briefings and workshops could
be used to make astronauts aware of their own responsibilities for maintaining mood
and performance efficiency in space. In addition, different behavioral techniques
can be taught that enhance the competencies of astronauts in this particular area
(e.g., techniques of time-management or relaxation). A second example relates to
“Cross-cultural” skill training. Briefings and lectures might be used to not only
enhance the general awareness of issues that arise from cultural differences, but also
to provide relevant knowledge concerning other national, organizational, and
professional cultures [Kealey, 2004]. Furthermore, crewmembers and ground
personnel can be briefed on behaviors that are perceived as being proper and
acceptable by individuals with different national, organizational, or professional
backgrounds [Tomi et al., 2001].
Most of the psychological training for astronauts that has been implemented so
far has relied on this kind of classroom teaching. Commonly used approaches have
included seminars or workshops that involved a mixture of briefings, lectures, and
round-table discussions. However, it can be expected that in future computer-based
training (CBT) approaches will become more and more important. For example,
Carter and his colleagues [2005] are developing a novel, self-guided, interactive
multimedia program that is aimed on particular competencies in the areas of
communication and conflict-management. Based on taped lectures by experts in the
field, and examples and demonstrations provided by audiovideo vignettes, crew-
members are encouraged to develop strategies of preventing, assessing, and manag-
ing psychosocial problems that could actually arise on extended space missions.
One of the advantages of this approach is that it might also be provided as a training
or refresher tool for astronauts on board a vehicle traveling through space.
The main limitation of these approaches relates to their theoretical nature.
Although they may be the method of choice for providing information and for
enhancing general awareness of certain issues, they are much less suitable for the
establishment and training of specific behavioral skills. This latter training requires
more applied approaches like the ones provided by field exercises.
6.5.3.2. Field exercises
Field exercises refer to experiential training that is used to provide potential
crewmembers with real experiences in self-management, team-work, leadership,
multi-cultural issues, and all CRM related competencies in an environment that
shares important characteristics and demands with real space flight. Examples
include outdoor training (e.g., hiking in the wilderness), specific survival training,
short-term stays in underwater habitats (see below), or isolation chamber training.
These kinds of activities have played a major role in the education of Russian
cosmonauts [Bluth and Helppie, 1986; Garshnek, 1989]. With respect to ISS
operations, such training approaches also have been implemented by NASA and
other international partners as an important element of advanced training required
for possible assignment for a long-duration space flight. One example implemented
by NASA includes specific outdoor training provided in the Rocky Mountains or
similar areas by the National Outdoor Leadership School. This training involves
astronaut crews working and living together for up to 2 weeks in the wilderness
who are accompanied by coaches who provide input and feedback on self-
management, team-work and leadership under these extreme conditions.
The main advantage of field exercises is that they provide opportunities to train
most of the required competencies at the same time and in an integrated manner. In
addition, it provides crewmembers the opportunity to encounter their own strengths
and weaknesses in a mission-like scenario and to identify individual strategies to
cope with extreme demands. For this purpose, it is important that these exercises are
combined with some kind of coaching and feedback by experienced trainers and
peers. However, most benefit can be expected to arise from these exercises if they
are applied as a second step of training after basic knowledge and skills have been
provided in all relevant areas by seminars and workshops.
6.5.3.3. Crew-oriented sensitivity training and team-building
The training approaches discussed so far can be applied to individual astronauts or
mission control personnel independent of a specific mission assignment. Even
though this kind of training might be sufficient to prepare astronauts generally for
the demands of long-duration space flight, it needs to be complemented by more
specific training applied to an entire space crew and key personnel of their ground
support staff who are assigned to a certain mission. Nicholas and his colleagues
have described important interpersonal issues that can affect crew composition and
behavior, and they suggest training the crewmembers together in order to enhance
crew functions [Nicholas, 1987, 1989, 1997; Nicholas and Foushee, 1990]. More
specifically, Nicholas [1989] suggests that this training should focus on three
objectives: improvement of interpersonal skills, improvement of social support
skills, and improvement of crew coordination skills. Specific programs exist to train
people on how to work together as a team by observing their interactions, discussing
what occurred, and suggesting ways of improving communication and cohesion.
Such sensitivity training and team building has been in widespread use for decades
in a number of work-related settings [Beckard, 1969; Dyer, 1995; Skopec and
Smith, 1997].
A comprehensive program for whole crew training has been described by
Manzey et al. [1995]. The main objectives of this training concern: (1) the support
of the team building process, (2) the development of effective crew coordination
skills, and (3) the identification of strategies for coping with psychological issues
that may arise in this specific crew during their common mission. The importance of
the team building process for efficient crew functions already has been recognized
by the Russian cosmonauts [Leonov and Lebedev, 1975]. With regard to anticipated
interplanetary space flight, they have stated “…that the crew of an interplanetary
ship should not only be made up on the basis of careful selection, but should go
through all the stages of its development long before the flight” [p. 66].
The different stages of team building that need to be mastered by a crew in order
to become most efficient have been referred to as forming, storming, norming, and
performing [Tuckman, 1965, 1977]. The forming stage represents the first stage
where team members are introduced to each other and begin working together. The
storming stage is the most critical one since the different crewmembers try to clarify
their individual roles within the crew. Very often, this stage is characterized by the
formation of cliques and by struggles between team members regarding issues of
autonomy and control within the team. The central task for the team during this
stage is to establish a formal and informal group structure that is accepted by each
team member. This represents an important requirement for the next two stages of
team performance. During the norming stage, common group norms, goals, and
skills have to be defined before team cohesion, efficiency, and task orientation reach
their maximum in the performing stage. Only members of crews that have reached
this final performing stage can be expected to work efficiently together during a
space mission without wasting time and personal energy in interpersonal struggles
and conflicts. What is needed for this purpose is the development of a clear and
unambiguous crew structure, and the crew should be supported in the development
of common group norms and a common commitment to mission goals, which are
important pre-conditions for crew cohesion. It is obvious that coaching a crew
proceeding through these different stages of team-building provides a good
opportunity to train and apply many of the different competencies listed in the
competency model described above.
The second objective of the training of whole crews can be seen in the
development of effective crew coordination skills that take the specific crew
composition into account [Manzey et al., 1995; Nicholas, 1989]. In particular,
effective team-working, collaborative decision-making, and workload management
skills can be addressed. Such kind of training is similar to concepts of crew resource
management training (CRM) or line-oriented flight training (LOFT), such as those
used with aircraft crews in simulators [Helmreich and Foushee, 1993; Helmreich
et al., 1999]. In these programs, realistic flight scenarios are presented, and the ability
of the crewmembers to respond in a coordinated manner is observed and recorded.

Crew actions are later discussed, and better strategies for responding as a group are
considered. These programs have been found to be useful [Kanki and Foushee,
1989; Nicholas, 1989; Nicholas et al., 1988; Salas et al., 1999, 2001], and their
value for space crews participating in long-duration multi-cultural missions needs to
be tested further.
The final aspect of training of whole crews involves enhancing crew efficiency
during a mission by what has been referred to as anticipative problem solving
[Manzey et al., 1995]. Given the knowledge about psychological issues that might
adversely effect crew interactions during space flight, crewmembers can benefit
from analyzing these issues together in advance of their flight and searching for
possible countermeasures under the supervision of a psychologist. Such anticipative
problem solving not only improves the awareness of crewmembers for specific
problems, but it also can prepare them to cope with such problems during their
mission.
The success of such training for space crews has not been evaluated empirically.
However, its usefulness is suggested by the first experiences gained from applying
such training to crews participating in ground-based simulations. For example, a
psychological preparatory training was provided to crewmembers who lived and
worked together in a confined chamber for periods of 60 and 90 days, respectively,
as part of the NASA Lunar-Mars Life Support Test project [Holland and Curtis,
1998]. Objectives of training, among others, focused on team building, the
establishment of a crew identity, and a clarification of the work roles and
responsibilities of the different crew members and key members of their support
team outside the chamber. Training methods included briefings, group sessions, and
(for the 90-day mission) a preparatory field exercise in an underwater station, which
was conducted to promote the crew’s integration and organization as a team and to
provide mission experience. A similar training also was provided to crewmembers
and mission control personnel who participated in a 60-day space flight simulation
conducted by the European Space Agency [Manzey et al., 1995]. This training
included different group sessions that focused on the definition of a set of
behavioral rules for the stay in the chamber that all crewmembers committed
themselves to, on a clarification of formal and informal crew roles, and on
increasing the problem-awareness of crew members by means of anticipative
problem solving. Even though no formal evaluation of this training (and other
countermeasures) could be performed, its success was suggested by subjective
reports of the crewmembers during debriefings conducted after the mission [Manzey
et al., 1995].
6.6. Crew monitoring

Crew monitoring is an important countermeasure that includes tracking space
crewmembers over time for signs of psychological or interpersonal difficulties.
Such monitoring is needed in order to plan for psychological support activities that
may help in stabilizing the mood and performance of astronauts and may help in
preventing psychological or psychiatric issues from becoming serious threats to
mission success. Aspects needing to be monitored may be derived from a review of

psychological issues that affect people during space missions (see Chapters 2–5),
and some of these are summarized in Table 6.8.
6.6.1. Remote monitoring from Earth

A variety of methods might be used for remote monitoring of these different areas
from Earth (Table 6.8). However, not all of these methods have been applied in real
space flight, since some of them are either too invasive (e.g., circadian rhythm
monitoring by continuous temperature assessment using rectal thermostors) or too
complex (e.g., sleep monitoring by EEG measures) to be applied routinely. To date,
monitoring mostly has been limited to an overall evaluation of the psychological
state of astronauts derived from self-report data such as questionnaires,
observations, or personal interactions between medical or psychological experts on
the ground and the crewmembers in space. For example, in past Russian space
missions, experts in mission control traditionally have tracked crew-ground audio
communications, observed video behavior, analyzed crew errors and work-rest
schedules, and held private conferences to assess crewmember well-being [Kanas,
1991]. Of particular importance are the analysis of different structural parameters of
verbal behavior (e.g., evaluation of length of talking time, number of words per unit
of time) and the analysis of voice characteristics (e.g., rhythmic and structural
Table 6.8. Areas to be Addressed in Psychological Crew Monitoring and Example of

Possible Monitoring Methods.
Areas to be Monitored Examples of Remote Monitoring Methods
Cognitive performance Performance tests, analyses of crew errors
Workload and fatigue Questionnaires, analyses of work-rest schedules,

private medical and psychological conferences
Sleep Questionnaires (sleep logs), actigraphy (see text),

polysomnography, private medical and
psychological conferences
Circadian rhythm Temperature recordings, analyses of work-rest

schedules
Stress and psychological well-being Questionnaires, private medical and psychological

conferences, analyses of crew-ground
communication, voice analyses
Interpersonal relationships and Questionnaires, private medical and psychological

crew-cohesion conferences, analyses of crew-ground
communication, analyses of videos from crew
interactions, sociometry
Behavioral health Questionnaires, private medical and psychological

conferences, analyses of crew-ground
communication
properties) by specially trained experts on the ground [Gazenko et al., 1976]. For
ISS operations, private psychological conferences between crewmembers and
psychological experts on the ground have been implemented (see Section 6.7.3) and
represent one of the most important tools currently used by Russian and American
support teams to monitor the psychological status of their crewmembers.
However, more specific and objective monitoring methods might be considered.
For example, Manzey [2000] has suggested using a set of standardized performance
tasks like those used in his research (see Chapter 3) for assessing cognitive
performance and fatigue, and others have recommended even more complex
approaches combining performance measures with physiological measures in order
to not only evaluate the performance level but also assess aspects of stress and
workload [e.g. Pattyn, 2007; Salnitskiy et al., 1999]. Other monitoring approaches
have involved wrist actigraphy (i.e., recordings of arm movements by means of an
electronic device attached to the wrist of the non-dominant arm) as an objective
method for differentiating between sleep and wakefulness and for the assessment of
sleeping times and sleep efficiency in space [Monk et al., 1999]. Yet all of these
methods have only been used for research purposes so far, and their feasibility for
operational monitoring still has to be demonstrated. It also has been suggested that
the further development of Russian approaches of voice analysis into a more formal
standardized monitoring tool would have some appeal, since this technology
represents an objective measure that does not require extra effort from the
crewmembers but makes use of data that are provided unobtrusively during audio
transmissions from space. However, as will be shown below, more work needs to be
done before this approach can be used reliably for operational crew monitoring.
6.6.2. Empirical findings from space: monitoring stress through voice analysis
The analysis of formal voice characteristics, such as frequency, amplitude, speech
rate, etc., has been advocated as being a useful indicator of the functional state of
pilots and astronauts [Lieberman et al., 2005; Ruiz et al., 1990]. Several Russian
researchers have reported success in using the analysis of the objective
characteristics of speech from recordings of space transmissions as an indicator of
cosmonaut stress and emotional state [Gazenko et al., 1976; Khachaturyants and
Grimak, 1972; Simonov and Frolov, 1973]. In contrast, an analysis by American
researchers of the voice frequencies of selected Skylab communications was judged
to be insufficiently predictive of crewmember stress to warrant further use [Older
and Jenney, 1975]. One study of 17 male subjects in a laboratory found some
promising results but did not reveal speech analysis to be as robust a stress indicator
as other factors, such as heart rate [Brenner and Shipp, 1987]. The general con-
sensus based on this work was that speech technology did not have enough
specificity and sensitivity to be used as a reliable predictor of emotional state in
space.
More recently, however, the work of Johannes and his colleagues [1995, 2000]
has shown promise in this area. Their work has centered on measurements of the
lowest frequency of voice pitch, the so-called fundamental frequency, which results
from the vibrating glottis. Since the glottis is innervated by the vagus nerve, this
provides a physiological mechanism for linking the fundamental frequency with the
autonomic nervous system, which is itself involved in the body’s emotional
reactions. And indeed, elevations of the fundamental frequency of the voice have
been found to represent the most sensitive voice indicator of workload and
emotional stress [Ruiz et al., 1990].
In preliminary studies on the ground, Johannes and his colleagues [2000]
provided some support for this general effect. They found that emotional excitation
increased the mean level of the fundamental frequency and that voice pitch
statistically differentiated people with sensitizing versus repressing personality
traits. Unlike other physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure,
voice pitch was not systematically related to the increased physical load produced
during a bicycle test. Due to individual variation, they found it important to calibrate
voice pitch to reflect individual reference values. During a 135-day confinement
study involving three men working in the Mir space station simulator in Moscow,
they analyzed the speech of the crewmembers while they performed a Mir docking
simulation. Drops in the fundamental frequency were found when tasks had to be
performed in a state of fatigue after 72 h of sleep deprivation [Johannes et al., 1995,
2000].
Together with Russian colleagues, Johannes also studied voice pitch on the Mir
space station itself. Crewmembers were analyzed pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight
while they performed three mental task load tests related to time pressure, tracking,
and memory, and a standard physical handgrip test. During all three mission phases,
the first test with a manometer induced the highest psychological load and resulted
in a rise in the fundamental frequency. There also was an increased level of
fundamental frequency for all test and rest periods in space as compared with pre-
and post-flight. Johannes and his colleagues concluded that provided calibrations
were made to baseline the specific relationship between voice pitch and subjective
perceptions of stress in a given individual, the analysis of speech fundamental
frequency could be used to monitor the psychophysiological state of people working
in the space environment. However, it has not been possible to evaluate the quality
of workload or stress by means of formal voice analysis so far; i.e., to distinguish
whether an elevated fundamental frequency of the voice results from workload or
states of positive or negative emotional arousal. This represents a serious limitation
of this approach, and Johannes et al. [2000] admit that further work needs to be
done on this methodology under different stressors and different environmental
circumstances using people with different personality and cultural backgrounds
before this method might be applied as an objective evaluation tool in space flight
operations.
6.6.3. On-board monitoring

Implementing remote crew monitoring is a sensible way of tracking crew status, but
it might be perceived by crewmembers as a control tool instead of a support
measure. Consequently, the acceptance by crewmembers can be low, and it can
even raise the stress of crewmembers during a mission [Stuster, 1996]. Thus, the
extent and quality of monitoring must be planned carefully.
An alternative to remote crew monitoring is the implementation of an on-board

monitoring approach (i.e., monitoring relevant areas within the crew without a
downlink of information). One method is to have one of the crewmembers be
trained to recognize potential problems when they occur and alert mission control
only when necessary. It is likely that the mission commander or a physician
crewmember will take on this responsibility, and in future exploratory missions with
large crews even a psychiatrist or psychologist could serve as an in-flight
consultant. However, Nicholas [1989] points out that such a person could not
remain completely objective and be unaffected by issues that influence the others,
since he or she also is part of the crew and is exposed to the same stressors and
group dynamic issues. Nicholas further argues that all of the crewmembers should
be trained pre-launch to monitor and evaluate their interpersonal environment in
order to be able to recognize early signs of psychosocial problems, and to intervene
if necessary. Such an approach would be in line with some of the objectives of
psychological training described above. Yet it presupposes that the crewmembers
know each other very well. Even though it might be an option for missions where
participants have trained and worked together for a long period of time, it is much
more difficult on missions where there is a staggered turnover of personnel (e.g.,
due to visiting crews).
A second approach to on-board monitoring includes the provision of formal self-
monitoring tools for each crewmember. This has been pursued in implementing
neurocognitive assessment by NASA during the Shuttle/Mir program and on the
ISS. For example, a computerized Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for
Windows (WinScat) has been developed [Kane et al., 2005; Retzlaff and
Vanderploeg, 2000; Retzlaff et al., 1999]. It consists of five well-established and
validated neuropsychological tests that probe different cognitive functions,
including verbal memory, mental arithmetic, sustained attention, and spatial imagery
and memory. Each performance assessment in space needs about 15 min and
provides data that can be compared with a self-referenced performance baseline
established during pre-flight training. This gives the astronaut a quick overview
about his/her actual performance state in space relative to the “normal” level
exhibited on Earth. Originally, WinScat was developed as a medical tool for
assessing the mental performance of astronauts after a neurocognitive insult (e.g.,
illness, head injury, exposure to toxic gas, decompression accidents during EVA).
But it was realized that it also could be used for repeated self-monitoring of
cognitive functions and mental efficiency by astronauts during a space mission.
Procedures were established for U.S. crews on the ISS to conduct WinScat
performance assessments every 4 weeks during their stay in space. This latter kind
of approach might be regarded as equivalent to what has been referred to as
readiness-to-perform or fitness-for-duty assessment in the industrial domain.
Another tool that have been proposed for the self-monitoring of cognitive
performance in space is the MiniCog Rapid Assessment Battery [MRAB;
Lieberman et al., 2005; Shephard and Kosslyn, 2005]. Similar to WinScat, it
consists of a set of different cognitive performance tasks that are presented on a
personal digital assistant (PDA). It probes nine different cognitive functions and has
been developed as an “early warning” tool that can make astronauts aware of
cognitive performance decrement before they lead to decrements in work

performance. Although most applications of the MRAB have so far been limited to
laboratory research, the first experience of using the MRAB for during a space
mission experiment suggests that it may be a generally suitable tool in this novel
environment [Pattyn, 2007].
Other standardized test batteries might be used that are not limited to
performance assessments alone [Manzey, 2000]. For example, a method of
monitoring on-board performance state has been proposed by Cowings et al. [2007].
They suggest combining standardized performance assessments with the assessment
of different physiological responses in order to identify and feed back to
crewmembers what they call a “stress profile”. This is a very complex assessment
strategy, and more research will be needed before such an approach is considered
for individual self-assessments of performance state during space missions.
A fundamental problem of all of these approaches to onboard-monitoring relates
to the fact that the use of the different tools presupposes high trust in the autonomy,
motivation and honesty of each crewmember. Even more important and difficult, it
also requires the provision of clear decision criteria and aids in order to assure that
appropriate actions will be taken by crewmembers in response to the outcome of
such self-assessments (e.g., how much performance decrement would necessitate
informing the commander or ground control, or what level of performance is still
acceptable for critical mission tasks?). In addition, whereas such an approach might
be appropriate for the monitoring of cognitive performance, effects of fatigue, and
specific neuro-psychological functions after possible traumatic events such as
accidents, it does not appear to be suitable with respect to interpersonal relations
and crew cohesion.
To sum up, on-board monitoring might be applied for some selected areas, but it
is questionable whether it ever can fully compensate for some kind of remote crew
monitoring. Yet remote monitoring is a sensitive issue. The implementation of such
monitoring can be expected to be a useful component of psychological support only
if it is based on a trusting relationship and cooperation between the crewmembers in
space and their support staff in mission control.
6.7. In-flight support

From the very beginning of long-duration space flight, the provision of
psychological in-flight support to crewmembers has been an important counter-
measure in Russia [Grigoriev et al., 1987; Kanas, 1991]. For this purpose, a
psychological support group was established that coordinated different activities in
order to counter feelings of monotony, isolation, and behavioral health issues like
asthenia. Such activities have included surprise presents and favorite foods
delivered via re-supply vehicles, increased on-board music and lighting, increased
contact with people on Earth, and ground-crew counseling or psychotherapy
[Kanas, 1991, 1998]. In addition, the arrival of visiting astronauts and cosmonauts
has helped break the monotony and provided stimulation and assistance in
performing mission activities.
Based on this experience, a similar system has been established by NASA for its
space station support activities [Flynn, 2005; Sipes and Vander Ark, 2005]. Table
6.9 provides a summary of psychological in-flight support activities for crew-
members as defined in the ISS Medical Operations Requirements Document (ISS
MORD) [International Space Station Program, 2000]. The main objectives of these
activities are to prevent feelings of monotony, boredom, and isolation, to maintain a
close contact between the crewmember in space and family and friends on Earth,
and to provide crewmembers opportunities to talk with members of their
psychological support group on a regular basis (see Chapter 5 for a separate
discussion of in-flight support for psychiatric issues).
6.7.1. Supportive measures for preventing feelings of monotony,

boredom, and isolation
An important aspect of psychological in-flight support is to prevent feelings of
monotony, boredom, and isolation which might arise during missions with long
periods of free time. Consequently, attention should be given to enhancing leisure
time activities that take into account changing interests and needs. This is of
particular importance after some time in space when primary adaptation has been
achieved, initial feelings of excitement of being in space have declined, and mission
tasks have settled into routine.
Table 6.9. Psychological Countermeasures for ISS Crewmembers. Adapted from ISS
Program [2000].
Personal packages from family and psychological support group delivered by re-supply
flights
Uplink of audio news in native language not less than once per week
Uplink of written news summaries not less than every other day
Uplink of video for recreation and leisure purposes (e.g., sports, news, cultural events)
Materials for individually-determined leisure activities, such as videotapes, books, recorded

music, and recreational software
Access to an onboard amateur radio for recreational ham radio contacts
Daily uplink of e-mails from family and friends
Private two-way audio-video contacts with family and friends for a minimum duration of
15 min for each crewmember on a weekly basis (“Private Family Conferences”)
Private two-way audio-video contacts with members of the psychological support group for a
minimum duration of 10 min for each crewmember on a biweekly basis
Psychological intervention if necessary
Family support during the mission as necessary

What kind of leisure activities are preferred by astronauts on long-duration space

missions? This question has been addressed in a questionnaire survey by Kelly and
Kanas [1994]. It was found that interest areas that were rated as being most helpful
for filling free time included international and national events and historical
subjects. Topics related to sports, the arts, erotica, economics, and other areas of
human activity were ranked lower. This preference for world news and historical
issues was endorsed by significantly more cosmonauts than astronauts and
significantly more long-duration than short-duration space travelers. This might
have been due to the perception by these individuals that their mission was also of
international and historical importance, which enhanced their interest in learning
more about the adventures of other historic individuals who contributed to society.
These findings suggest that providing informal space-ground contact and news
from Earth represent activities that are highly appreciated by crewmembers. The
Russian psychological support group has paid attention to keeping cosmonauts
informed about important events on Earth (which may be related to their special
interest areas) and to organizing audio or video contacts with interesting people on
Earth (e.g., artists, politicians, athletes etc.; see Section 6.7.2 for contacts involving
family members and friends) [Grigoriev et al., 1987]. With respect to ISS
operations, this factor is taken into account by uplinks of audio and written news, or
even videos of specific events of interest, and the provision of different space-
ground communication tools that may be used for recreational communication with
people on the ground (i.e., ham radio, e-mail, internet phone). In addition, a wide
variety of supportive material for other leisure time activities is provided to ISS
crewmembers. Most of this material is individually defined well in advance of the
mission and may consist of music, videos, books, recreational software, variety of
food choices, or other similar material that meets defined size and weight
requirements. In addition, material might be delivered by crew packages sent with
re-supply flights, which offers the possibility of taking into account the changing
interests of crewmembers during their stay in space.
6.7.2. Maintaining contact with family and friends

Contact with family members and friends on Earth can be very supportive for
crewmembers and their families. In their questionnaire survey of astronauts and
cosmonauts, Kelly and Kanas [1993] reported that the respondents rated the value of
contact with loved ones on Earth as having a significantly positive influence on
mission performance. Cosmonaut ratings were significantly higher than those of
astronauts, and long-duration space travelers rated this item higher than those
spending less than 20 days in space. Several subjects mentioned the need to have
private space-ground audiovisual links available for crewmembers to talk with their
family and friends. In addition, cosmonauts and long-duration space travelers felt
the absence of letters and other forms of contact with people on Earth significantly
more than astronauts and short-duration space travelers [Kelly and Kanas, 1994].
The importance of maintaining close contact between crewmembers and their
loved ones on Earth also is supported by findings from Antarctica. In their analyses
of data available from 657 men who participated in a winter-over in Antarctica,
Palinkas et al. [2000a] found evidence that support provided by contact with family
and friends was more important for stabilizing mood and performance than potential
support available from crewmates. Somewhat surprisingly, individuals showed a
clear decrease in the tendency to ask other crewmates for advice or support in the
course of the winter-over and instead relied on the support provided from family
and friends back home. According to Palinkas et al. [2000a], this might have
reflected a decreased reliance in support from others facing the same stressors as
oneself, and a similar tendency might be expected to occur during long-duration
space missions.
The best way to maintain a close contact between crewmembers in space and
their social network on Earth is to provide communication contacts on a regular
basis. One important medium for this purpose is e-mail, which has been used
frequently by crewmembers on Mir and the ISS for communicating with home. On
the ISS, private family conferences have been established as part of the
psychological support program. These conferences involve two-way video contacts
between a crewmember and his/her family. They are scheduled every week for a
minimum duration of 15 min for each crewmember. The communication lines used
for these conferences are kept private and cannot be monitored by third parties.
One important issue related to the contact between families on Earth and
crewmembers in space is how to inform an astronaut or cosmonaut of bad news
from home. During a Salyut 6 mission, authorities delayed telling one cosmonaut
about the death of his father until he returned to Earth, fearing that the bad news
would negatively affect his performance [Oberg, 1981]. But during a recent Mir
mission, the Russian commander was notified of the death of his mother and was
able to deal with it with support from his fellow crewmembers. In their survey of 54
astronauts and cosmonauts, Kelly and Kanas [1993] reported that 18 respondents
were of the opinion that negative personal information (such as a death in the
family) should be withheld until a space traveler completes the mission, whereas
another 22 stated that it should not be withheld. Five additional respondents gave no
clear opinion but volunteered that information could be withheld on short space
flights but perhaps should be disclosed during long-term missions. A reasonable
compromise is for mission support personnel to discuss this issue with each
astronaut or cosmonaut before launch in order to assess his or her personal
preference regarding disclosure. When disclosed, bad news from home should be
tempered with support and should probably be delayed until after the completion of
a critical mission activity.
6.7.3. Private psychological conferences

Specific psychological counseling or guidance to crewmembers during their stay in
space can help prevent behavior and performance issues from adversely affecting
individual or crew efficiency. One approach is to conduct “private psychological
conferences (PPC)”. These conferences involve two-way communicational contacts
between individual crewmembers and their psychological support staff on Earth on
a regular basis during a space mission. Beyond their significance for crew
monitoring, which has been discussed above, the main purpose of these conferences
is to maintain a continuous contact with the crewmember in space and to offer him
or her the opportunity to talk about his or her actual experiences during the mission,
including individual adjustment problems or difficulties in the relationship with

other crewmates or mission control. Besides providing a concrete opportunity for
individual counseling and guidance, these conferences also can be regarded as
support for coping with the experience of being in space and an opportunity for
dealing with negative feelings and complaints about crewmates or people in mission
control.
For ISS crewmembers, PPCs have been implemented as a medical requirement,
and they are considered to be a key countermeasure in the in-flight monitoring and
maintenance of crewmember behavioral health and performance. According to the
ISS Multi-lateral Medical Operations Requirement Document [International Space
Station Program, 2000], PPCs must be scheduled for each crewmember
participating in an expedition to ISS. Scheduling regulations prescribe PPCs every
other week, with a minimum duration of 10 min per crewmember. A first survey of
the experiences with this kind of support during the first 7 years of ISS operation
(Expedition 1-13) has been provided by Manzey et al. [2007]. During this period, a
total of 287 PPCs were conducted that involved 16 U.S. crewmembers, 15 Russian
crewmembers, and one crewmember from Europe who participated in space
missions of varying duration (129–196 days). Analyses of the data revealed that
only a few PPCs (< 15%) were waived due to operational reasons or crewmember
requests. The average duration of PPCs was considerably longer (16.9 min) than the
minimum allotted time of 10 min, with the longest single PPC lasting up to 45 min.
These data may be taken as an indication of the high acceptance of this support tool
by astronauts, which also is reflected in generally positive feedback during de-
briefing sessions.
6.7.4. Support of families on Earth

Family members on Earth should be supported while their loved ones are in space.
This can include family briefings, support during launch and landing, family
conferences, or even individual counseling sessions as needed that are sponsored by
the space agencies. In addition, informal support groups led by trained counselors or
the family members themselves could be established. Of utmost importance is to
provide family members a clearly defined point of contact where they can get
information about the progress of the mission, where they can send items that will
be transported via re-supply vehicles (e.g., letters, gifts, photos), and where they can
ask for support for issues that arise while their family member is in space. Such
support can help to maintain the crewmembers’ concentration on the mission tasks
by relieving them from excessive worry about problems at home and feelings of
abandoning their families during crises. This is suggested by often-heard comments
from astronauts that they are more concerned for the well-being of their family
members on Earth than for their own well-being in space.
6.8. Post-flight readjustment support

Post-flight issues include psychological after-effects of space missions. Even though
this is an important area, little has been written about these issues or ways to deal
with them, and even anecdotal reports have rarely addressed them. Investigations of
individuals returning from polar expeditions suggest that long-term stays in

confined and isolated environments are not necessarily associated with adverse
long-term effects on subsequent health and performance [Palinkas, 1986]. However,
problems of readjustment after return from a long-duration space mission can arise
and might require psychological support.
6.8.1. Individual issues

Readjustment to life on Earth after a mission can be assisted through debriefings at
both the individual and the crew level. Some crewmembers may have had
unpleasant psychosocial experiences in space that need to be addressed. For
example, a crewmember who was scapegoated during a mission may have angry
feelings post-flight that may affect future interactions with his or her former
crewmates. Some returning space travelers may have experienced psychological
problems or personality changes as a result of being in space, in some cases
becoming more humanistic, religious, or spiritual after observing the oneness of
people on Earth or the infinity of the Cosmos [Kanas, 1990]. Other returning
individuals have experienced difficulty dealing with the resulting fame and glory of
their mission, especially during a first-of-its-kind mission like the flights to the
Moon during the Apollo program. This especially may be problematic for more
private individuals who suddenly find themselves thrust into the spotlight and
required to go on the road to make appearances for the media or interest groups.
6.8.2. Family issues

Family reentry also may be difficult. For example, studies have shown that many
wives of male submariners learned to adjust to the absence of their sailor husband
when he was on sea patrol, but over half experienced depression and marital strife
after he returned and tried to reinsert himself back into the family dynamics. This
has led to the expression: “submariners’ wives syndrome” [Isay, 1968; Pearlman,
1970]. Thus, care should be taken that similar developments do not occur in an
astronaut’s family after the return from a long-term space mission. As a
consequence, support activities for family members should not only be provided
during the mission but also should be offered in the post-mission period. Support
might include joint debriefings of crewmembers and their families by counselors
who are trained in the effects of separation on family life. Also, schedules should be
arranged to allow crewmembers to reintegrate back into their social networks free
from the public scrutiny that can add additional stress to the return home. Despite
the fame and glory that accompanies some space missions, involved individuals
need private time to readjust both psychologically and physically to their family life
on Earth.
6.9. Summary
• A number of habitability factors can be expected to have a psychological
impact on the behavior and performance of crewmembers under confinement
and isolation. Important factors that are of general psychological concern
include the volume of personal space, the provision and design of private crew
quarters and meeting facilities, the kind of interior décor, and the provision of
windows.
• Countermeasures related to work design include an appropriate daily task load
and a stable work-rest schedule according to a 24-h work-rest routine. In
addition, abrupt sleep shifting should be avoided, and some degree of freedom
for autonomous scheduling of work tasks should be provided.
• Specific psychological countermeasures involve selection, crew composition,
training, monitoring, support, and post-mission readjustment.
• Two different aspects of the selection of astronauts can be distinguished.
Psychiatric selection focuses on selecting-out individuals who possess qualities
that indicate an increased risk for developing mental or behavioral illness.
Psychological selection focuses on selecting-in individuals who, with respect to
their capabilities and personality, seem to be best suited for becoming
astronauts or working together on a space mission.
• Optimally, space crews should consist of crewmembers who are
psychologically compatible to each other. However, interpersonal compatibility
is a complex concept that has not yet been fully understood. Important
determinants include homogeneity of personality traits, congruent and
complementary needs; shared interests, values and norms; a positive emotional
attitude to each other; and fluency in a common language. Specific methods to
assess the psychological compatibility of individuals still need to be developed.
• Several methods of training can be used to prepare crewmembers
psychologically for a long-duration space mission, including briefings, lectures
and workshops; field exercises; and specific sensitivity and team building
training addressing the whole crew. Important areas of competencies to be
addressed include strategies of self-care and management, teamwork and group
living, leadership and followership, and cross-cultural issues in crews
consisting of individuals with different national, organizational and
professional backgrounds. In addition competencies specifically related to
operational work should be trained, including communication, decision-making
and problem-solving, situation awareness, and conflict management.
• Pre-flight training should be provided to both astronauts and key personnel of
their ground control staff, because both groups are mutually dependent in
conducting the activities of a space mission, and mission success is directly
related to the efficiency of co-working between these groups. Topics
specifically relevant for mission control members include a sensitization to
issues of living under confinement and isolation in order to enhance their
empathy for space crewmembers, and a preparation for typical conflicts
between space and ground crews that might arise during the mission.
• It is important to monitor crewmembers with respect to cognitive performance,

workload and fatigue, sleep, circadian rhythm, stress, and psychological well-
being, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral health, because these areas
are critical for efficient behavior and performance. Depending on such crew
monitoring, effective in-flight support measures can be provided as necessary.
• Psychological support groups have been established for long-duration space
missions to monitor and coordinate supportive activities for crewmembers
during their mission.
• Supportive measures to prevent feelings of monotony, boredom, and isolation
in space include the provision of a wide variety of material for leisure activities
(e.g., music, movies, books, recreational software), regular uplink of news and
other relevant information from Earth, personal packages from family and the
psychological support group delivered via re-supply flights, and informal
contacts with people on the ground.
• Contacts with family and friends on Earth on a regular basis using audiovisual
and other available communication links (e.g., e-mail, internet phone) are
among the most important psychological countermeasures for space travelers
and are also supportive for their families.
• For maintaining continuous contact between astronauts and the psychological
support group, private psychological conferences can be conducted on a regular
basis using two-way audio or video transmission. These conferences represent
an important element for crew monitoring and providing counseling and
guidance if necessary.
• After the return from a long-duration space mission, readjustment problems
may arise on an individual or family level that require supportive interventions.
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Following the construction of the International Space Station, the next goal will
be to conduct expeditionary type missions throughout the solar system and
beyond. The psychological impact of such long-duration and isolated missions
has yet to be determined. This plate by Johann Doppelmayr, which appeared in
Johann Homann’s Atlas Coelestis in 1742, features the Copernican view of the solar
system in the center rimmed by the rest of the Cosmos, which is represented by the
signs of the Zodiac. (Courtesy of the Nick and Carolynn Kanas collection).
Chapter 7
Future Challenges
For nearly 50 years, human space flight has shown an impressive evolution. Since
the first flight of Yuri Gagarin into Earth orbit in 1961, which lasted for 1 h and 48
min, numerous human space missions have been carried out. These have lasted for
a few days in small capsules or the American Space Shuttle, and up to several weeks
and months in orbital stations such as Skylab, Salyut, Mir, and the International
Space Station (ISS). In addition, the American Apollo program has given us our
first experience with sending humans beyond Earth’s orbit to the Moon. To date,
five Russian cosmonauts have lived and worked in space for continuous periods of
1 year or longer, with a maximum duration of over 14 months (438 days). The ISS,
representing a global partnership of 16 nations, marks the current culmination of
long-duration stays in space. But this certainly will not be the end of space
activities. An example of further progress has been provided by China becoming
another space-faring nation with independent access to space. Other countries will
likely follow this example in the future.
Three other and perhaps even bigger challenges have become realistic options
and less a science fiction fantasy. The first is the notion that the average person can
travel into space as a tourist. The second relates to a return to the Moon and
colonizing our closest heavenly body. The final involves leaving Earth’s neighbor-
hood and traveling to Mars as our first expeditionary mission to another planet.
These three issues are the focus of this concluding chapter.
7.1. Space tourism

Two recent developments have suggested that public space travel, or space tourism,
may soon become a reality for more and more people. First, since American
businessman Dennis Tito’s eight-day flight to the International Space Station aboard
the Russian Soyuz spacecraft in April, 2001, a number of people who could afford
the asking price have flown orbital missions into space. Although the price of such
missions is around $20 million and is beyond the reach of most people, these
individuals still are real space tourists, since they paid for their experience out of
their own pockets. Second, following Burt Rutan’s successful winning of the X-
Prize in 2004 in SpaceShipOne, and Bob Bigelow’s subsequent launch of his
Genesis 1 orbiting hotel prototype, several private companies have been formed to
explore the possibility of developing affordable launch vehicles for sub-orbital and
orbital flight. Two of these, Virgin Galactic and Rocketplane, have made plans to
begin suborbital operations by 2009, with the hope that such missions will be able to
bring the price down to about $100,000 per trip [Webber, 2004].
211
In October 2002, a survey was published by the Futron Corporation, a company

specializing in forecasting space-related markets [Beard and Starzyk, 2002]. The
respondents were millionaires and were interested in and willing to pay for either
suborbital fights (72% male, average age 55) or orbital flights (89% male, average
age 53). Rating highest in attractiveness of the flight (63% of respondents) was the
chance to view the Earth from space (see Section 5.2 for similar results from an
astronaut survey). Over half of the respondents said that their desire to fly
suborbitally was not affected by the choice of vehicle (government or private) or,
for orbital missions, physical discomforts experienced upon return to Earth. In their
report, Futron projected that by 2021, the suborbital market could reach over 15,000
passengers per year, and the orbital market could reach 60 passengers per year;
together, this could translate into annual revenues of over $1 billion.
According to Webber [2004], these numbers will multiply due to the tumbling of
per person costs once the industry develops passenger modules capable of carrying
20+ people at a time into space. In fact, in their survey of people biased toward
adventurous activities such as mountain climbing and skydiving (91% male, 94%
under age 60), which included only 14% millionaires, Webber and Reifert [2006]
found that price clearly was an issue. Only 7% said they would undertake a
suborbital flight at the current price of $100,000 or above, and this number
increased to 36% if the price dropped to under $50,000. Similarly, only 4% would
pay $10–20 million for an orbital flight, whereas about a third would take such a
flight for $5 million or below.
But vehicles and price are not the only obstacles to space tourism. One must also
consider the medical and psychological challenges [Wichman, 2005]. Since many
space tourists may not be as healthy or young as a typical astronaut, may have
ongoing health problems that are being treated, and may prefer certain
accommodations not typical in government-sponsored space activities (e.g.,
gourmet food, alcoholic beverages), one needs to create realistic guidelines that
allow paying customers their preferences, while at the same time do not compromise
their safety as well as the safety of other crewmembers. In 2006, medical screening
guidelines were published by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to assist
operators of manned commercial aerospace flights in assessing prospective
passengers [Artunano et al., 2006]. This document defines two categories of
passengers: suborbital and orbital, describes a number of medical risks associated
with acceleration, and lists a number of possible medical contraindications for
participation in such flights (e.g., active cancer, severe acute infection, previous
overexposure to radiation, current pregnancy). In terms of potential psychiatric
contraindications, the guidelines list: “Any psychiatric, psychological, mental, or
behavioral disorder that would cause an individual to become a potential hazard to
him/herself or to others” [Artuano et al., 2006, p. 3]. Similar guidelines have been
developed for “Space Flight Participants” (i.e. space tourists) who would be paying
to visit the ISS for less than 30 days [Bogomolov et al., 2007].
However, the guidelines also state that people with medical contraindications
may still be certified for space flight on a case-by-case basis pending further
evaluation and treatment. Such an example was described by Jennings and
colleagues [2006], who presented a case study of a 57-year-old man with several
Future Challenges 213
medical conditions involving his heart and lungs. Through prophylactic treatment
and evaluation in space analog conditions, he was finally certified for flight and
successfully completed a 10-day mission to the ISS, demonstrating that with proper
precautions, a person with medical problems can still be accepted for flight into
space. Clearly, more work needs to be done in this area, as the number of people
willing and able to be space tourists increases and as we gain more experience with
the vicissitudes of manned space flight for the general public.
7.2. Going beyond the Earth’s orbit

Although the ISS probably will represent the major basis for human presence in
space for the next 10–15 years, this achievement must only be regarded as just one
step towards a much bigger endeavor: human exploratory missions into outer space
and the establishment of human outposts on other celestial bodies of the Solar
System. This will include a return to the Moon and the establishment of a lunar
station for permanent occupation, as well as flights of humans to our neighbor
planet Mars. These goals already were defined in 1989 in an address by United
States President George H. Bush at a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first
landing of humans on the Moon [Arnold, 1993]. And similar sentiments by other
space-faring nations already have led to several investigations which have been
conducted during the last decade in order to assess the possibilities of human
expeditions beyond Earth orbit. For example, the European Space Agency
established a Lunar Study Steering Group in 1992 to investigate Europe’s priorities
for the scientific exploration and utilization of the Moon [European Space Agency,
1992], and NASA has conducted numerous studies on human Moon and Mars
explorations, including a feasibility study for a mission to Mars [Weaver and Duke,
1993] that has since been updated [Hoffmann and Kaplan, 1997]. More recent
analyses of the possibilities and constraints of human Mars missions have been the
focus of studies in Europe and Russia [Horneck et al., 2003; International Science
and Technology Center, 2000].
Thus, there can be no doubt that the future of human space flight will involve
missions that go beyond the Earth’s orbit. Encouraged by President George W.
Bush, NASA currently intends to operate the Space Shuttle in order to complete the
construction of the ISS, then focus its energies and resources on lunar colonization
and expeditions to Mars. The fundamental technologies needed for missions to the
Moon and Mars are available already, and the only question currently seem to be
when these missions will take place. However, technology is just one important
aspect of such missions. Beyond that are new medical and psychological challenges
that need to be considered, which might become a limiting factor for human
expeditions into outer space. This holds particularly true for human missions to
Mars, which will add a new dimension to the history of human expeditions into
terrae incognitae with respect to the distance and duration of travel. Before we
discuss the specific psychological challenges of such exploratory space missions, let
us first consider what these missions will be like and to what extent our current
knowledge might be applied to this new dimension of space flight.
7.3. Future human missions to the Moon and Mars

7.3.1. Missions to the Moon and the establishment of a lunar base
The Moon is our closest neighbor in the Solar System (average distance to the Earth
is about 380,000 km). Numerous automated space missions have been conducted to
explore this celestial body, and the Apollo missions from 1969 to 1972 have already
proven that it is possible for humans to land and work on the lunar surface and to
return safely to Earth. Nevertheless, the Moon remains an attractive target for
human space explorations. In the first place, there are scientific interests that
include: the investigation of the Moon itself, the use of the Moon as a platform for
observations of outer space (due to its clear atmosphere-free sky), the study of
human functioning in hypogravity (the Moon’s gravity is about 1/6 g), and the
development of an artificial ecological system beyond Earth [European Space
Agency, 1992]. In the second place, lunar missions and the establishment of a lunar
base are regarded as an important test bed for technologies that can be applied to
more far-reaching expeditions, such as a mission to Mars or beyond.
A big advantage of lunar missions is that the Moon can be reached within 3–5
days, depending on the selected launch window and the consumption of propellant.
Thus, launches can be planned flexibly, and the duration of such missions mainly is
determined by the planned stay on the surface. Furthermore, crews in a lunar
outpost can return to Earth in case of an emergency in a relatively short time, which
reduces the risks to a degree that is comparable to or even less than the risk of
expeditions into some analog environments on Earth, such as the Antarctic during
wintering-over.
Typically, mission scenarios for a return to the Moon envision a crew of four to
six crewmembers who stay in a lunar base for 6–12 months [Stuster, 1996]. One
such scenario recently has been defined by ESA and may serve as an example
[Horneck et al., 2003]. In this scenario, it is proposed to establish a permanently
crewed lunar base at the south pole of the Moon. Compared to other locations, this
area is characterized by constant sunlight, which provides advantages for the design
of electrical power systems and contributes to significant mass and cost savings
compared to other places (where periods of sunlight and absolute darkness
alternate). In addition, it has been stated that if any water exists on the Moon, it
would be available in some form at this location in permanently shaded craters as a
relic of cometary impacts [Horneck et al., 2003]. Such a find would certainly
present tremendous advantages with respect to in-situ resource utilization and life-
support. The lunar base initially is envisioned to consist of one habitation module,
one laboratory module with infrastructure needed for the scientific work, and one
crew rescue vehicle, but it might be enlarged on a step-by-step basis over time. For
transporting crews back and forth between the Earth and the Moon, it is proposed to
use the same basic approach that was used for flights during the Apollo program.
The recommended crew size includes four crewmembers, which is regarded as the
best compromise between mission complexity and costs on the one hand, and
possible scientific and technological output on the other. During their stay on the
Moon, the crewmembers are expected to work in the laboratory module. However,
in contrast to orbital space missions where extra-vehicular activities are limited to
specific construction or repair tasks, extra-habitat activities (EHA) outside of the

lunar base are envisaged to occur on a regular basis in order to support geological,
biological, or chemical studies on the lunar surface. A crew rotation in this scenario
is planned for every 6 months via re-supply flights from the Earth, which will result
in an overall mission duration of about 190 days per crew.
7.3.2. Exploratory missions to Mars

The “red planet” Mars has always been fascinating for humans. Of all of the planets
in the Solar System, Mars is the most similar to Earth. Like our planet, there are
different seasons on Mars, the martian day is only slightly longer (24 h 37 min), and
there is a significant gravitational force that equals about 1/3 g. However, the
martian environment is harsh and uninhabitable. It consists of a crustal surface with
large volcanoes and rifts, and a very thin atmosphere consisting largely of carbon
dioxide. The air pressure on the surface is low (about 0.01 of the Earth’s
atmosphere), and the average temperature is cold (far below 0°C), with large
variations between day and night. No liquid water can exist on Mars under these
environmental circumstances, but there is clear evidence that liquid water once was
present and may still be available in the form of subsurface permafrost and ice at the
polar caps. Thus, the Martian atmosphere must have been denser in former times,
and this provides support for the exciting idea that life could have existed on this
planet and might still exist there in some microscopic form below the martian
surface. As a consequence, two motivations for sending humans to Mars are the
scientific investigation of the planet and its atmosphere, and the search for life. Such
investigations will not only advance planetary science, but they also may enhance
our understanding of the evolution of life and the environmental processes
occurring on Earth [Hoffmann and Kaplan, 1997; Zorpette, 2000]. Furthermore, the
similarities of Mars and the Earth and the assumption that life might be possible on
the red planet has led to visionary ideas of a permanent human settlement there.
Admittedly, such ideas are far from reality today. But Mars is the only planet in the
Solar System that can be reached by humans in a reasonable time given current
propulsion systems, and its environmental conditions make a landing of humans on
its surface possible. Thus, Mars is the best planetary choice for exploration by a
human expedition, and this fact also contributes to its high attraction as a possible
target of future space missions.
However, getting to Mars is a complex undertaking. The distance between the
Earth and Mars is enormous, with Mars never getting closer than about 60 million
kilometers. The first serious suitability study of a human mission to Mars dates
back to 1952, when Wernher von Braun published his book “Marsprojekt” [von
Braun, 1952, 1953]. According to this plan, an armada of ten spacecraft was
envisioned to travel to Mars, with three “landing boats” for transporting 50 people
from the martian orbit to the surface for a stay of 400 days. Since this early
publication, several scenarios have been developed on how missions to Mars could
be conducted.
Basically, two different approaches are suggested, with a trade-off being made
between mission duration and energy consumption [Hoffman and Kaplan, 1997].
The first includes a high energy transfer flight to Mars that lasts between 160 and
250 days; a stay on the martian surface of about 10–60 days; and the flight back
(again, 160–250 days). The main disadvantages of this scenario are the high costs of
energy (i.e., propellant consumption) and the comparatively short stay on the
martian surface, which is determined by constraints for the flight back that are
related to the optimal relative positions of the Earth and Mars in their orbits. The
more likely concept, therefore, is a second approach that envisions a round-trip to
Mars lasting about 1,000 days. This mission scenario involves a transfer flight to
Mars on a low energy trajectory, which will take about 200–300 days. However,
once on Mars the crew has to stay there for 400–500 days without any possibility
for re-supply before another launch window opens for a low energy transfer flight
back, which again will take 200–300 days. In this scenario, transfer times might
become considerably reduced by investing modest amounts of extra energy, but this
would only prolong the required stay on the martian surface. Such a concept has
been chosen as the reference mission developed by NASA [Hoffman and Kaplan,
1997]. It largely is based on ideas published by Robert Zubrin and his colleagues
and is referred to as “The Mars Direct Plan” [Zubrin, 2000; Zubrin et al., 1991]. It
also has been considered in a recent study by ESA [Horneck et al., 2003]. Possible
launch windows for such a mission open every 26 months (one martian year) and
last for several weeks.
All of the different 1,000-day scenarios currently available envision that a
spacecraft carrying a crew of probably six astronauts will either be launched directly
to Mars by a heavy booster rocket comparable to that used for the Apollo missions
to the Moon, or from some kind of orbital platform, respectively. During the
transfer flight in microgravity, the crew will stay in a habitat on-board that is similar
to or identical with the habitat to be used for the stay on the martian surface. The
overall volume of such a habitat is a matter of speculation, but it might not be
expected to be larger than about 300–400 m3. However, on Mars this volume could
be considerably enlarged using components sent via independent cargo flights or by
inflatable components. Such an option, for example, is envisioned in the NASA
reference mission. The work of the crew on Mars will include a diversity of
different tasks that include the maintenance of technical systems; the operation of
equipment for in-situ resource utilization (e.g., production of propellant for the
flight back); and the scientific work, which will include numerous extra-habitat
activities and which will be supported by complex automated systems, including
telerobotic devices or specific rovers for cross-country explorations on the surface
of Mars.
7.4. Applicability of current psychological knowledge to space

missions beyond the Earth’s orbit
A number of psychological and psychiatric issues that are related to long-duration
space missions have been discussed in the preceding chapters of this book, and
countermeasures have been described that might help to ameliorate any adverse
effects arising from these issues. Current knowledge has been based on anecdotal
information from astronauts and cosmonauts, studies conducted in space analog and
simulation environments, and experiments performed in near-Earth orbits in space.

Will this knowledge also apply to exploratory space missions that go beyond the
Earth’s orbit, and is our current knowledge sufficient to assess the psychological
risks associated with such missions? Yes and no. In principle, exploratory space
missions to the Moon and Mars can be expected to involve the same range of
psychological issues and risks that have been reported from the above sources.
However, missions to Mars in particular will present some new challenges that can
seriously raise the risks associated with psychosocial issues. This becomes evident
from a comparison of psychologically relevant features of exploratory missions to
the Moon and Mars with those of space analog environments (e.g., Antarctica) or
orbital space flight, as presented in Table 7.1.
Let us first consider missions to the Moon. The general features of lunar mission
scenarios do not differ much from those of orbital flights or expeditions to
Antarctica. For example, the expected duration of such missions equals the duration
Table 7.1. Comparison of Psychologically-Relevant Factors for Different Space Mission

Scenarios and Winter-Over in Antarctica.
Orbital ISS Winter-Over Lunar Mars

Missions in Antarctica Mission Mission
Duration (in months) 4–6 9–12 6 16–36
Distance to Earth (km) 300–400 – 350–400 thou. 60–400 million
Crew size 3–6 15–100 4 6
Degree of isolation and Low to high Medium High Extremely High

social monotony
Crew Autonomy Low High Medium Extremely High
Evacuation in case of Yes No Yes No

emergency
Availability of in-flight
support measures
Outside monitoring Yes Yes Yes Very Restricted
2-way communication Yes Yes Yes Very Restricted
E-mail up/down-link Yes Yes Yes Yes
Internet access Yes Yes Yes No
Entertainment Yes Yes Yes Yes
Re-supply Yes No Restricted No
Visitors Yes No No No
Visual link to Earth Yes Yes Yes No

of long-duration orbital missions and is even less than a wintering-over in

Antarctica; the crew size is comparable to the size of orbital space crews; and there
is a possibility of evacuating crewmembers in case of life-threatening emergencies
or serious mental or physical illness. With respect to the latter feature, missions to
the Moon may be less risky than wintering-over in Antarctica, where such
evacuations are not possible. Furthermore, experiences with human space missions
to the lunar surface already exist from the Apollo program, although these earlier
missions were limited to short-term flights and did not involve a permanent lunar
base. Consequently, most risks arising from psychological issues during lunar
missions may not exceed those that are already known from long-duration orbital
space missions or expeditions to Antarctica. In addition, most of the counter-
measures currently being applied during orbital space flights to maintain crew
performance, psychological well-being, and crew cohesiveness can be applied to
lunar missions as well, even though the availability of re-supply flights likely will
be restricted due to cost considerations. But there are also some specific challenges
associated with lunar missions that distinguish them psychologically from orbital
space missions or expeditions on Earth. Perhaps the most important is the
comparatively high level of social monotony resulting from the small crew size,
which distinguishes lunar missions from a wintering-over in Antarctica. However,
the general availability of two-way video and audio communication lines between
the Moon and the Earth and the stimulation of modern communication tools (e.g.,
the Internet) will compensate for this monotony to a certain degree and might be
expected to prevent serious decrements in the mood, behavior, and performance of
crewmembers. A second specific challenge is the long distance to Earth, which
might considerably raise feelings of autonomy and isolation as compared to
missions in low-Earth orbit or on the planet itself. Yet a close visual link to Earth
will always be present (unless a lunar base is placed on the back side of the moon),
and this might contribute to the reduction of adverse effects due to this factor.
In contrast to lunar missions, missions to Mars will not be psychologically
comparable to any other undertaking humans have ever attempted. Even though
some aspects of these missions are shared by other settings (e.g., long-duration stays
on orbital space stations, historical expeditions to unknown parts of the Earth,
wintering-over in Antarctica, long-term submergence in submarines), there are
major differences. These include: the physical and psychological demands of Mars
missions due to the extremely long distance of travel; the duration of permanent
living under the dependence of automated life-support systems; the degree of
isolation, confinement and social monotony; and the impossibility of any short-term
rescue in case of emergencies. Of course, the Russian space program has shown
that a stay in space of 438 days is possible, but this evidence is based on just one
cosmonaut who never experienced a period of extreme social monotony that lasted
longer than a few months (due to crew exchange and visiting crews), and who
received a large amount of ground-based support. During a voyage to Mars and a
stay on the martian surface, crewmembers are expected to endure extraordinary long
periods of extreme confinement and isolation that may last from 500 to 1,000 days.
Depending on the distance between the Earth and Mars due to their relative orbital
positions, audio, video, or other data transmissions between these two planets will
need transmission times of 5–22 min. Communication may even be blocked for
periods of time should the planets be on opposite sides of the Sun. As a
consequence, communications between the Earth and Mars will be delayed, and no
real time two-way communication will be possible. Furthermore, there will be no
possibility for any re-supply or short-term rescue flights. Consequently, most
strategies of ground-based support that currently are used to foster crew morale and
psychological well-being during long-duration orbital space missions will be
ineffective. So in summary, the risks for mission success and safety associated with
psychological and interpersonal issues may be increased during Mars missions.
7.5 Empirical findings from space: cosmonaut survey regarding

a mission to Mars
7.5.1. Goals and procedures
In order to gain information regarding the human aspects of a trip to Mars, Nechaev
and his colleagues [2007] decided to solicit the opinions of a group of Russian
cosmonauts. The goals were to assess their views about issues related to Martian
crew size, professional specialization of crewmembers, duration and type of
training, important psychological issues to be expected (especially sources of
potential tensions and problems), and possible countermeasures. A total of 11
cosmonauts were surveyed using a special questionnaire developed for this
purpose.
7.5.2. Results
According to Nechaev et al. [2007], the respondents said that the crew would have 5
or 6 persons. Nine said that it should be international. Six respondents thought it
should consist only of men, and 5 said there should be both men and women. To
perform the tasks of the mission, the consensus was that the Mars crew should
include an engineer, physician, biologist, physicist/astrophysicist, and geologist, and
that individuals should be cross-trained to provide redundancy in case a member
became unable to perform his or her functions. Piloting skills were not specifically
mentioned but were probably assumed. In decreasing order of importance, the
consensus was that crewmembers should be professional, sociable, responsible,
have self-control and a sense of humor, and be tolerant of others.
The respondents felt that the training for such a mission would last 1.5–2 years.
It should include helping to design and test on-board systems and scientific
equipment, cross-training duties with other crewmembers, learning skills related to
self- and mutual-aid, understanding ways to optimize interpersonal relationships,
defining leisure and rest activities, training to work under simulated Martian
gravitation, and coordinating interactions with mission control personnel under
conditions of communication delays due to the long distance from the Earth.
The major factors that were seen as causing psychological tension and conflict
were isolation and monotony, communication delays with the Earth, and insufficient
water and nutrition reserves. Other factors mentioned included leadership pro-
blems, differences in management style, role redistribution, and cultural
problems. In terms of on-board psychological support, the following activities and
percentages were listed: music (35%), personal information about families and
friends (22%), movies (21%), literature (14%), and art projects (8%). Keeping up
the information link with the Earth was endorsed by a number of respondents,
despite the communication delays. Eight subjects endorsed a fixed work-rest sche-
dule, whereas the remaining 3 preferred to regulate their own schedule depending
on the mission profile. Interestingly, 7 respondents thought that periodically chang-
ing the color scheme of the interior would increase the comfort of the crewmembers.
To ensure crew safety, the respondents highlighted issues related to the careful
selection of crewmembers, medical and psychological support in-flight, proper
radiation protection, and meeting fluid and nutritional needs.
Several subjects endorsed using the ISS to test important operational aspects of the
Martian mission (e.g., artificial gravity, radiation protection), study crew and crew-
ground interactions under simulated communication delays, and experiment with
biological life support systems. It was felt important to assess the crewmembers’ post-
flight work capacity under conditions that reproduced the Martian gravity. The value
of isolation studies on Earth and in space that simulated the Martian mission was also
endorsed.
7.5.3. Conclusions
Despite the small sample size, the results from this cosmonaut survey agree well
with some of the surveys and studies reported in Chapters 4 and 5. The need for
proper selection, training, inflight-monitoring and support, and ability to work under
partial gravity conditions were endorsed by the subjects. Attention was paid to a
variety of operational, safety, and medical/psychological issues. Clearly, this group
of cosmonauts appreciated the realistic challenges of an expedition to the Red
Planet. In the next section, we will examine some of these challenges, with special
attention paid to those related to psychological, interpersonal, and psychiatric issues,
as well as to appropriate countermeasures.
7.6. Human missions to Mars: new psychological challenges

7.6.1. Individual adaptation and human performance
Missions to Mars will be much longer than current orbital space missions and also
longer than expeditions to Antarctica. Together with other characteristics (e.g.,
small crew size, greater crew autonomy, less possibility for in-flight psychological
support from people on the Earth), this long mission duration will present a new
psychological challenge for maintaining crew motivation, morale, and individual
well-being [Kanas, 2005]. What we know from long-duration space missions in low
Earth orbit is that psychological problems become increasingly more likely with
duration of the mission, but they can be managed efficiently if appropriate
psychological ground-based support is provided [Grigoriev et al., 1987; Kanas,
1991; Myasnikov and Zamaletdinov, 1996]. However, empirical knowledge based
on psychological and interpersonal research has been limited to mission durations of
4–6 months, which have been typical for crews staying on-board the Mir or the ISS.
Little is known for missions lasting over 1 year.
Transfer flights between the Earth and Mars will last about 150–300 days for
each direction, depending on the selected trajectory and propellant consumption.
Thus, crews traveling to Mars will engage in space flights comparable in duration to
a complete ISS mission before they finally reach the surface of the red planet, where
major scientific work will be done. And they will have to perform another similar
long-duration flight back to Earth after their work on Mars has been finished. These
long flight times likely will be accompanied by a number of stressors that may
affect crewmember mood, well-being, and performance.
One issue concerns maintaining motivation and morale, since the transit times
will involve long periods of decreased workload, monotony, and boredom. In
addition, due to the limited size of the spaceship, privacy will be harder to achieve
than during a stay on-board an orbital space station. Will it be possible to maintain
adequate crew motivation, morale, and mood during these transfer flights to and
from Mars? This certainly will depend on the habitability of the spaceship and the
meaningfulness of work the crewmembers have to perform during these mission
phases. Work activities may be less of a problem on the outbound flight to Mars,
when the crewmembers have much to do in preparation for their arrival on the
planet, than during the flight back after the most important and interesting tasks
have been accomplished on the red planet. Nevertheless, it will be of great
significance for overall mission success that the crewmembers remain alert and
motivated during this return. A decline of motivation and activity during this
mission phase can be a serious hazard, not only for the crew’s efficiency in dealing
with nominal and off-nominal situations, but also for maintaining the degree of on-
board exercise that is needed for re-entering the Earth’s gravity after a long period
of exposure to low gravity conditions.
A second issue associated with the long transfer flight to Mars is related to the
retention of performance skills that have been acquired during pre-flight training but
will only be needed after arrival on Mars. Such skills include critical operational
activities (e.g., skills needed for landing on the martian surface or the operation of
complex technical equipment for Mars exploration) and all kinds of cognitive
activities needed to conduct the scientific work on the Martian surface. Even though
issues of skill retention have been investigated in several laboratory and field
settings [Patrick, 1992], it is unclear to what extent the findings of this research can
be transferred to the extreme conditions of space missions. In any case, training
methods will need to be developed, which on the one hand allow for the on-board
training of critical performance skills during the transfer flight to Mars, but which
on the other hand do not require much space and mass. For this purpose, new
technological developments (e.g., virtual reality) might be considered, and their
potential application for support of on-board training of perceptual-motor and
cognitive skills need to be investigated.
One particular issue of skill maintenance during a mission to Mars that will be
difficult to investigate in advance will be related to the different gravity conditions
that will occur during different mission phases. For example, perceptual-motor skills
that are acquired pre-flight under 1 g conditions have to be maintained during the
transfer flight to Mars under microgravity conditions (if options of artificial gravity
are not available), but they also must be applied on the surface of Mars in a 0.38 g
environment. This will involve the re-learning of skills under different gravitational
forces during the mission. And beyond that, learning and acquiring completely new
skills while in space might become necessary. This will be the case if skills needed
for work on Mars cannot be learned during pre-mission training. Whereas mission
control experts can provide effective support and even on-line coaching to
crewmembers if issues of new learning arise during orbital space flight, crews
traveling to Mars will have to rely much more on their own capabilities. But is
learning under conditions of space flight as effective as under the usual learning
conditions on Earth? Or are special approaches and tools of training needed to
support the acquisition of new skills during a flight to Mars? So far, we do not
know much about learning capabilities under the conditions of space missions.
Although current experiences from orbital space flight suggest that performance
skills acquired on Earth can be applied efficiently in a different gravitational
environment after some time of adaptation (see Chapter 3), more systematic
research will be needed to increase our understanding of space-based learning.
Beyond the issues arising from the duration of transfer flights and overall
mission length, another new psychological challenge for individual adaptation and
performance during Mars missions will involve automation and the human-machine
interaction. People traveling to Mars will have to interact with complex human-
machine systems, including automated life support systems, rovers, robots, and
other operational hardware that will be needed for Mars exploration. In addition,
human-machine systems on Mars will include interactions with a number of
intelligent software agents that make the operation of systems possible without 24-h
coverage of ground-based monitoring and support. The design of these systems
will determine the quality of life and work during the mission. In order to minimize
the workload and stress resulting from interactions with these systems and to
optimize overall system performance, a strict human-centered approach of design
will have to be applied. On the one hand, this relates to the design of human-
machine interfaces, which must guarantee a high level of usability of the different
systems given the specific constraints on Mars. However, even more importantly, it
will require careful psychological considerations concerning the level of automation
to be attained, including an optimum allocation of functions to both humans and
machines [Parasuraman et al., 2000]. These considerations must ensure that the
obvious advantages of automation do not lead to negative side effects that might
impact the well-being and performance of the crew. One of these side effects
includes the boredom that can arise if too many tasks become automated, thus
reducing the responsibility of crewmembers to monotonous monitoring tasks.
Another issue regards the loss of situational awareness and a degradation of skills
needed to manually control the different systems if automation fails. This can result
from too much automation, leaving the operator “out of the loop” most of the time
[Endsley and Kiris, 1995; Lorenz et al., 2002; Parasuraman et al., 2000].
Furthermore, even if today’s technology guarantees a sufficient reliability of
automated systems, they can break down and might need repair to return to normal
functioning. Will the technological levels chosen to implement the systems allow
the crew to fix them in case of a severe breakdown? How must systems be designed
to optimally support the diagnosis of failures and on-site repair on Mars? What kind
of skills are needed for efficient system-monitoring and trouble-shooting if ground-

based support can only be provided to limited degrees or cannot be provided at all?
These questions not only require careful technical considerations, but they also
require knowledge about human performance constraints in interacting with
automated systems under the specific conditions of a long-duration space mission.
These issues will be of particular importance for the design of autonomous life-
support systems. During the long flight to Mars and the stay on the Martian surface,
the life of crewmembers will depend on the efficient functioning of these systems.
In contrast to orbital space flight, there will be no escape possibilities in case of
technical failures, and ground-based monitoring and support will only be available
to a limited extent due to delays and even temporary blocks of data transmission
between Mars and Earth. Independent of the actual reliability of the life-support
systems, there will be a constant threat which can lead to anxiety and, in the worst
case, the development of manifest anxiety disorders (see Section 7.4.3). In order to
reduce the stress, autonomous life-support systems will have to be designed, not
only with regard to optimising automation and minimizing the load of
crewmembers, but also to provide a maximum level of external controllability and
support for on-site trouble-shooting and repair. This is suggested by stress research,
which shows that the degree of perceived controllability of a stressor represents one
of the most important moderators of the strength of its effect [Ursin, 1988]. One
promising approach is to design these systems in accordance with current concepts
of adjustable autonomy that allow for a flexible adjustment of levels of automation
depending on the situational demands [Dorais et al., 1998]. Thus, different
technological and technical options in designing automated systems for use during
Mars missions must be considered from a psychological point of view, and more
psychological research about human interactions with automated systems will be
needed to provide guidelines for optimum human-machine system designs for Mars
missions.
7.6.2. Interpersonal issues

Missions to Mars will involve many of the interpersonal issues that already have
been observed during orbital space flight and in analog environments; these have
been discussed in some detail in Chapter 4. However, whereas in other settings risks
associated with interpersonal tension and conflicts can be reduced by effective
support measures like visiting crews and real-time communication with the ground,
these options will not be available during missions to Mars. Thus, the level of social
monotony and feelings of isolation may be higher in crews participating in
interplanetary missions, and the risks and hazards for mission success arising from
interpersonal tensions, conflicts, and a breakdown of crew cohesion may be
considerably increased compared to what is known from other environments.
A distinguishing factor that separates a mission to Mars from other endeavors is
the high level of crew autonomy. Due to the restricted opportunities for
psychological ground-based support and the impossibility of short-term rescue in
case of emergency, the crewmembers cannot rely much on external help but have to
solve conflicts and problems on their own. In the first place, this involves
autonomous management of external crises related to technical failures or
environmental hazards (e.g., solar particle events). In the second place, it involves
internal crises that might arise not only from interpersonal conflicts but also from a
serious medical illness of a crewmember, injuries that might require surgical
treatment, or incidents of mental and behavioral illness that result in a crewmember
losing control. How can a crew on Mars deal with such events? What kinds of skills
are needed to cope with them? Will the crew be able to maintain its cohesion and
morale in the face of such crises? Of course, some of these issues can be dealt with
in pre-mission training or by including an expert in the crew. For example, at least
one physician undoubtedly will be part of a Mars crew who will be trained to
provide medical (including psychiatric) support and even to conduct surgery if
necessary. At least one additional crewmember will be trained as a back-up to
provide medical treatment under the direction of experts on the ground [Hoffman
and Kaplan, 1997; see also Section 5.4]. With regard to psychological issues,
Nicholas [1989] has proposed training all crewmembers in general social support
skills.
But incidents may occur during a 3-year mission to Mars that will be more
difficult to prepare for. Take, for example, a worst case scenario where the
physician dies of an accident, illness, or even a suicidal act during the mission. Will
the rest of the crew be able to cope with such a horrible experience without
decremental effects on the mission? What if a crewmember murders another? How
will the rest of the crew react? Admittedly, these are extreme examples of incidents
that hopefully will never happen. But since they cannot be excluded given the
general risks of a trip to Mars, crews going on such space missions must be
prepared to cope with them in some way. However, our current experiences with
such situations generally are limited to military operations, which seem hardly
comparable to a civilian expedition to Mars. Thus, the answers to some of these
questions cannot be given in advance.
Another issue that might arise in a crew traveling to Mars is what has been
referred to as “groupthink” [Janis, 1982]. This phenomenon has been shown to
develop in highly autonomous and cohesive groups that work under stressful
conditions, and it is characterized by a number of features that can seriously degrade
crew performance, especially the quality of decision-making. Important
characteristics of groupthink include: delusions of invulnerability (i.e., members
think that they are incapable of making wrong decisions and show an unreal
confidence in their own competence); reluctance of crewmembers to express
concerns and disagreements about decisions and ways of acting in order to maintain
harmony (i.e., there is group pressure on deviating individuals to conform); and
stereotyped views of people outside the group (e.g., mission control personnel).
Observed effects on decision-making include an incomplete survey of decision
alternatives, a failure to examine risks of preferred choices, a failure to reappraise
initially rejected alternatives, and a failure to work out contingency plans. Thus, the
development of groupthink attitudes represents a serious hazard for the performance
of crews acting in a high-risk environment. In addition, it can contribute to
individuals feeling uncomfortable in the crew (especially those who disagree with
important decisions), and it can lead to an erosion of crew cohesion. Finally, there is
a negative impact on the relationship with people on Earth that puts additional
pressure on an interaction that already may be strained (see Section 4.7).
7.6.3. Psychiatric issues

As has been described in some detail in Chapter 5, psychiatric issues during a long-
duration space mission can include adjustment disorders, somatoform disorders,
mood and thought disorders, and specific syndromes like (neur)asthenia. Even
though only a few incidents of psychiatric problems have been reported from orbital
space flight so far, the risk of developing symptoms of serious mental or behavioral
illness will significantly increase during missions as long and extreme as a mission
to Mars. This is suggested by Russian observations that the risk for developing
severe asthenic reactions is directly related to the duration of a space flight and can
be assumed to rise significantly for missions lasting longer than four months
[Myasnikov and Zamaletdinov, 1996]. And it is further suggested by a number of
anecdotal reports from expeditions to Antarctica, which currently represent the best
Earth-bound analog to Mars. The incidents documented by these reports include
diverse psychiatric reactions, including psychoses and severe episodes of depression
and anxiety [Connors et al., 1985; Stuster, 1996]. Accordingly, incidence rates of
psychiatric disorders in the Antarctic vary from 1 to 5%, and they are higher in
wintering-over personnel than in personnel who are present only during non-winter
months (see Chapter 5 for details).
Specific stressors might lead to the development of mental and behavioral
disorders during a flight to Mars. One particular stressor that might contribute to the
development of emotional problems is the dependence on technical life-support
systems due to the extreme duration of the mission combined with the lack of rescue
possibilities in case of technical failures. Experiences with such situations are
lacking, and it is difficult to predict how this might impact on crewmember psyche.
Another issue that has been discussed in the previous section but may also be of
concern from a psychiatric point of view is the reaction of crewmembers to high
stress events like accidents, environmental disasters, or the death of a crewmate.
Such traumatic events can lead to what is referred to as post-traumatic stress
disorder. This syndrome typically occurs with some latency after the traumatic
event and can be associated with repeated flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, feelings of
emotional emptiness, social withdrawal, anxiety, nightmares, sleep disturbances,
and depression.
An important peculiarity of a mission to Mars is that crewmembers will have to
deal with psychiatric issues on their own, with only minimum support from people
in mission control. This will provide new challenges for the on-board treatment of
mental diseases. Training approaches must be developed to prepare crewmembers
for dealing with mental disorders of crewmates (see Chapter 5). This requires that
relevant skills be identified that are needed to support and treat others in case of
severe mental or behavioral disturbances. Also, basic requirements for a psychiatric
health facility on-board the spacecraft and the habitat on the martian surface must be
defined. Some of these requirements already have been described by Santy [1987]
but need to be explored further with respect to the specifics of a Mars mission. For
example, more research will be needed to define what kinds of psychoactive
medications for different disorders are most appropriate to use during space
missions. Furthermore, with regard to missions to Mars, specific knowledge will be
needed about how the different gravitational conditions astronauts will be exposed
to (e.g., microgravity during transfer flights, 0.38 g on the martian surface) will
affect the pharmacodynamics and kinetics of different psychoactive drugs. Finally,
restraint systems need to be developed that can be used to protect agitated,
psychotic, or suicidal crewmembers and others from harm. These restraint systems
must be designed for application under different levels of gravity.
7.6.4. Psychological countermeasures

In addition to psychiatric countermeasures, the more general concept of
psychological countermeasures will have to be re-considered with respect to Mars
missions. The factors that will present new challenges in this area are the restrictions
of space-ground communication and the inability to support the crews via re-supply
flights.
During current orbital space missions, the methods used most often for
monitoring and assisting people in space rely on immediate two-way audio or video
interactions between crewmembers and mission control personnel. For example,
monitoring measures for the ISS include private medical and psychological
conferences that are conducted on a regular basis, and Russian support personnel
still use their methods of communication (speech) analysis to assess mental and
emotional state in real time. In addition, important ground-based countermeasures
for the social monotony and isolation that affect crewmembers are based on two-
way communications, such as private family conferences or the provision of Internet
phone facilities. Finally, remote psychological counseling may be provided by such
communication.
However, during a mission to Mars, it will no longer be possible to use these
methods, and new strategies of communication between crewmembers and mission
control personnel on Earth will have to be developed [Caldwell, 2005]. For
example, real-time two-way conversations will not be possible, and communication
will be limited to one-way audio, video, and other data transmissions, and even
these channels will not be available continuously based on the relative orientations
of Mars, the Earth, and the Sun. Protocols will need to be developed to assist time-
delayed communications. For example, questions that the crew wants to ask
advisors on Earth will need to list possible responses and include additional follow-
up questions in the same message so that the mission control can respond efficiently
and deal with several issues in their return message.
How will this affect in-flight monitoring and support? It seems most likely that a
major communication channel between people on Earth and the crew traveling to
Mars will consist of e-mail exchange, which is a commonly used communication
tool but does not involve direct two-way interactions. As a consequence, new
approaches of in-flight monitoring and support will be needed that take the specifics
of this communication channel into account. First studies of the use of e-mail for in-
flight monitoring purposes have been conducted during Russian ground-based
simulations. These studies have focused on the identification of key characteristics
of e-mail communication (e.g., length, content) that might be used to assess the
emotional state of the sender, and they have shown some promising results. For
example, analyses of the content of e-mails sent by confined crews reveal that the
number of emotional statements and complaints increased significantly after 2–4
months of confinement, which probably reflected issues of adaptation involving the
crewmembers [Gushin et al., 1997]. But other important issues related to e-mail
communication as an in-flight support tool have never been addressed by systematic
research. This include, for example, the advantages and disadvantages of this kind
of communication as the sole tool for maintaining social contacts between confined
crewmembers and outside personnel, and the suitability of e-mail to serve as the
main communication tool for psychological counseling and guidance of a confined
crew.
Having only restricted channels for communication that may be blocked for
certain periods of time makes it clear that the quantity and quality of in-flight
support will suffer considerably. At least to some extend the lack of ground-support
might be compensated by the provision of specific on-board training and coaching
tools for different psychological issues. Recent developments of training tools like
those suggested by Carter et al. [2005, see Section 6.5.3.1] seem to be promising
approaches in this area. But other kinds of support tools might include even more
sophisticated expert systems and monitoring tools suitable for self-monitoring of
different behavioural functions (see also Section 6.6.3). However, the possibilities
of such autonomous support tools certainly will be limited. This will affect the
relative importance of other psychological countermeasures, particularly those that
can be applied in advance of a mission. That is, given that less in-flight support can
be provided, crew selection and training will become even more important for
mission success and safety than they are already for orbital space flights. The
biggest challenge in this respect will be to find the right crew for a mission to Mars.
This will include the selection of suitable individuals for the mission as well as the
composition of a “psychologically compatible” crew whose members can be
expected to work and live together under the extreme conditions that they will
encounter. But what kind of personality will be most suitable for a mission to
Mars? And what kind of crew mixture will work best? Several attempts have been
made to describe the ideal psychological profile for crewmembers traveling together
on an long-term expeditionary-type space mission [Ursin et al., 1992]. However,
most of these attempts are based on anecdotal information or common sense
considerations, and the empirical basis for the definition of crewmember profiles
still is weak. Clearly, more research is needed during orbital space missions or in
analog environments on Earth in order to identify critical individual characteristics
that predict optimum adaptation to long-duration isolation and confinement before
valid select-in criteria for Mars crewmembers can be defined. However, even more
important for an interplanetary space mission will be a psychologically-guided
method of composing the crew. This already has been ascribed some significance
for orbital space missions [Gazenko, 1980; Manzey et al., 1995], but it will become
a pivotal element for missions involving high levels of crew autonomy, such as a
mission to Mars. Important aspects that will have to be considered include the age-
mix and gender-mix of the crewmembers, their cultural background, and the
compatibility of their personalities. Several of these issues already have been
discussed in earlier chapters of this book (see Sections 4.2 and 6.4.4 ), but our
current knowledge about the ideal composition of confined crews is limited at best.
After selecting the crew for a Mars mission, it will become necessary to prepare
them for the specific psychological demands of such an enterprise. Currently used
methods will have to be revised, and new methods may have to be developed.
Crews leaving for Mars will need more training and preparation than currently is
provided to ISS crews, particularly with regard to working under autonomous
conditions, building an efficient team and supporting themselves psychologically
and interpersonally. They will need to self-monitor and self-correct individual and
interpersonal problems that arise and be able to deal with medical and psychological
emergencies, such as trauma, accidents, suicide, or psychoses. Orasanu [2005] has
argued that naturalistic decision-making models may be of value for space crews on
exploration missions. In addition, specific training facilities will need to be defined,
where crews can be trained for prolonged periods of time under conditions similar
to those in a Mars mission. The ISS provides such an option since it replicates many
of these conditions (e.g., microgravity, isolation and confinement, potential danger).
But experimental ground-based facilities (e.g., confinement chambers) or human
outposts in extreme environments on Earth (e.g., Antarctica) also might be considered.
7.6.5. The Earth-out-of-view phenomenon

Missions to Mars will be associated with a new psychological challenge that has
never before been experienced by human beings. Due to the enormous distance of
Mars from the Earth, our home planet will progressively shrink in size until it
becomes just another dot in space. In the history of human beings, no one has ever
been in a situation where Mother Earth, and all of her associated nurturing and
comforting aspects (e.g., gravity, atmosphere, food, flora and fauna, collected
history of our species) has been reduced to insignificance in the sky. Partially, this
lack of direct visual link to our beautiful globe might be compensated by films or
e-mail images of the Earth, or even by the provision of a telescope that will allow
the crew to scan their home planet in real time when they get homesick. But
probably none of these measures can be considered as a sufficient substitute.
The human response to this situation is not known, but it seems almost certain
that it will impact on the psyche of space travelers. This is suggested by numerous
reports from astronauts who have been in orbit or have traveled to the Moon and
have commented on the psychological importance of seeing the Earth in all its glory
in space through the windows. But what will the lack of a direct visual link to Earth
be like? How will humans respond to such an experience? At a minimum, this
experience will add to the feelings of isolation and loneliness within the crew.
Beyond that, it seems possible that it will induce some state of internal uncoupling
from the Earth. Such a state might be associated with a broad range of individual
maladaptive responses, including anxiety and depressive reactions, suicidal
intention, or even psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. In
addition, a partial or complete loss of commitment to the usual (Earth-bound)
system of values and behavioral norms may occur. This can result in unforeseeable
changes in individual behavior and crew interactions, and it might make any
external guidance of the crew impossible. The main problem related to this issue is
that it cannot be studied before the first crew has been sent out, and it will need to
be monitored and dealt with in-flight should psychological, interpersonal, or
psychiatric problems occur.
7.7. Research directions

As becomes evident from the foregoing considerations, future interplanetary
missions to Mars and beyond will provide a number of new challenges in almost all
of the different areas discussed in Chapters 2–6 of this book. Before such missions
can be considered seriously, preparatory research will be needed in order to better
assess the possible risks associated with these new challenges and to develop
effective psychological countermeasures that might help to mitigate the associated
risks. Four complementary research directions are possible: (1) a re-analysis of
databases from previously conducted space or Earth-bound studies in order to
clarify issues and stimulate hypotheses for new empirical work; (2) naturalistic
experiments during orbital space missions; (3) studies in analog environments that
have features similar to those found in space flight (e.g., polar regions, submarines,
closed land-based habitats such as hyperbaric chambers, off-shore oil platforms);
and (4) research during ground-based simulations of space missions.
Conducting psychological and psychiatric research during actual space flight
represents the most direct and probably best approach of investigating psychological
issues of relevance to long-duration expeditionary-type space missions. In
particular, this kind of research represents the best way to study issues related to
prolonged exposure to micro- or hypogravity. However, the opportunities for this
research are affected by the number of flights and crew time constraints, and the
range of issues that can be addressed is limited to those that do not conflict with the
operational demands of the missions. In addition, psychological research during
actual space missions suffers from several methodological and technical constraints
(e.g., small number of subjects, difficulties in controlling experimental conditions).
Thus, space flight studies alone will not be sufficient to accumulate the knowledge
needed for extrapolating psychological issues that might arise during long-term
interplanetary flights.
Naturalistic research in analog environments on Earth offers important
complementary features that will help us prepare for future interplanetary space
missions [Kanas, 1997]. In particular, such Earth-bound research can be used to
investigate the behavioral effects of prolonged co-living and co-working in small
groups under conditions of confinement and isolation. As a matter of fact, a good
deal of our present knowledge concerning human behavior and performance under
long-term confinement and isolation in hostile environments has been derived from
research in polar regions [Palinkas et al., 1998, 2000; Stuster, 1996] and in
submarines [Weybrew, 1991]. Yet the analogy between these exotic environments
and space flight is far from perfect with regard to crew size, crew selection, and
crew tasks [Suedfeld, 1991], and little of the research in these environments has
been dedicated explicitly to its applications for space missions. Therefore, even
though the experiences and observations derived from these analog environments
provide a useful database from which possible psychological issues of future

missions to the planets may be extrapolated, the applicability of this knowledge is
somewhat limited.
An alternative approach in investigating psychological issues involving
exploratory space mission is through specific simulations of prolonged space flight.
In contrast to other approaches, this offers a relatively high degree of control and
flexibility, and it provides the opportunity of investigating a sufficient number of
subjects under standardized environmental conditions. Examples of this approach
reach back to the 1960s and 1970s [Rockwell et al., 1976] and have been pursued in
recent years in Russia, America and Europe [Baranov, 2001; Collet and Vaernes,
1996; Holland and Curtis, 1998]. In order to prepare for crewed exploratory
missions to Mars and beyond, this approach needs to be continued and expanded.
For this purpose, ground-based facilities are needed that represent the best possible
analog to space habits as well as opportunities for controlled psychological research
in the different psychological areas that have been identified as relevant.
What are the basic characteristics of such ground-based facilities? For one
thing, they should be as physically similar as possible to the habitat that likely will
be used for interplanetary missions. Based on current ideas involving a trip to Mars,
both a transit and a surface habitat will be involved. According to the concepts of
the NASA reference mission, both of these habitats will be identical and “will
consist of a structural cylinder 7.5 m in diameter and 4.6 m long with two elliptical
end caps (overall length of 7.5 m). The internal volume will be divided into two
levels oriented so that each ‘floor’ will be a cylinder 7.5 m in diameter and approxi-
mately 3 m in height” [Hoffman and Kaplan, 1997, p. 3-78–3.79]. Consequently, one
approach would be to plan for a ground-based facility that closely matches these
features.
However, physical similarity alone does not guarantee equivalence in a
psychological sense. Even more important is that the experiences and feelings of
humans living and working in such a ground-test facility should be similar to those
experienced during an exploratory mission [Suedfeld, 1991]. This can be achieved
if the ground-based research facility meets two requirements: functional similarity
and organizational similarity [Manzey, 2002]. “Functional similarity” means that the
ground-test facility should provide the same possibilities and constraints that can be
expected to characterize a planetary or interplanetary space habitat. That is, it should
provide a psychological environment that is as similar as possible to the situation in
a real planetary space habitat. This includes realistic environmental control and life
support systems and appropriate working and living facilities for at least six
crewmembers. Other important functional constraints that should be implemented
include restrictions of outside communications (i.e., simulating the communication
delays expected on a mission to Mars), restrictions of privacy and personal space,
restrictions of environmental cues, and restrictions in variety of food. Most aspects
of functional similarity can be met by the appropriate structural and functional
design features of a ground-based facility and its placement in an appropriate
external environment (e.g., placing it in a remote polar region or in a desert
environment that has geological features similar to Mars) [Manzey, 2002].
“Organizational similarity” expands the concept of a ground-test facility beyond

considerations of purely environmental, architectural, and functional characteristics.
This requirement means that the operational planning around a ground-based
facility should resemble that of a “real” mission in important aspects, such as
psychological impact. It has been known for some time that stress effects arising in
a particular environment do not depend exclusively on its physical and social
characteristics but also on its psychological meaning [Suedfeld, 1991]. Lazarus and
Folkman [1984] wrote that the amount of perceived stress largely is due to the
subjective appraisal of a stressor by an individual. This appraisal has been shown to
depend on both personality characteristics and competencies (i.e., how the
individual perceives the quality of a stressor – threatening versus challenging – and
whether he or she has efficient strategies available to cope with it). Consequently,
operational features that affect the way an astronaut perceives and copes with the
challenges of an exploratory space mission should be taken into account in running
a ground-test facility. This aspect rarely has been addressed in evaluating results
from so-called analog environments, and discussions of what makes an environment
or ground-test facility an analog of space flight all too often have remained limited
to comparisons of different environments on a functional level. But organizational
similarity represents another important condition for extrapolating findings from
any ground-test facility into space. From a psychological point of view, the most
relevant organizational features in this respect include: the provision of meaningful
work for the crew, the promotion of a mission mentality, and the provision of
psychological countermeasures (i.e., selection, training, and support) [Holland and
Curtis, 1998]. For example, it is questionable whether results from a ground-based
confinement study using subjects who have not been specifically selected, trained,
or supported psychologically during their “mission” can be extrapolated to real
space missions with highly motivated, qualified, trained, and supported astronauts.
Provided that the requirements of functional and organisational similarity are
made, ground-based research can complement research from actual space missions.
Together, they further enhance our understanding of psychological and psychiatric
issues during long-duration space missions, and this will help us prepare for the
challenges of future missions beyond the Earth’s orbit.
7.8. Summary
• Space tourism is a growing industry, and careful attention need to be paid to
establishing realistic medical and psychiatric guidelines to protect the safety of
paying passengers and other crewmembers involved with the flight, both
suborbital and orbital.
• The future of human space flight will involve missions that go beyond the
Earth’s orbit. These include the establishment of a permanent presence on the
Moon as well as human expeditions to Mars and beyond.
• Missions to the Moon and the planets will involve many of the same
psychological risks and issues that have been reported from orbital space
missions or expeditions to extreme environments on Earth.
• However, a number of new psychological issues will arise during a Mars

mission due to the long distances and times involved (e.g., a total mission
duration of up to 3 years). Such issues include: the dependence of the crew on
technical life-support systems without the possibility for rescue and evacuation
during a crisis; the negative effects of long-term social monotony on the
morale of the crewmembers; the long time delays expected in communicating
with people on Earth; the lack of re-supply flights, which will restrict the
possibilities for in-flight support and which will lead to an extreme degree of
crew autonomy; and the psychological impact of perceiving Mother Earth as
an insignificant dot in space.
• Given the restricted possibilities for re-supply and Earth-based support, the
significance of other psychological countermeasures like crew selection and
training will become particularly important in determining the success of a
Mars mission.
• Much preparatory research in the field of psychology and psychiatry is needed
before missions to Mars can be considered. The International Space Station
will provide an important platform for such research. But specific facilities
that might be used for analog and simulation research on the ground also will
be needed.
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Index
Actigraphy, 189, 190 Crew

Adaptation autonomy, 90, 105, 106, 168, 169,
physiological, 16–27 177, 187, 193, 217, 218, 220,
psychological, 34–39 223, 227
Adjustment disorders, 2, 139, 140, cohesion, 89–92, 98–100, 103, 104,
143, 225 108–113, 115, 118, 119, 122,
Aimed voluntary movement, 55, 61–63 165, 176, 179, 183, 187, 189,
Antarctic stations, 92, 95, 142, 143, 193, 223, 224
217, 218 composition, 1, 92, 101, 102, 161,
Arousal, 29, 52, 54, 74, 146, 182, 191 162, 170, 175–179, 186, 187,
Artificial gravity, 26, 27 227, 228
Asthenia, 2, 37, 38, 144–150, 193, 225 counseling and psychotherapy, 150,
Attentional selectivity, 53, 54, 67, 151, 153, 193, 196, 197, 226
74, 77 heterogeneity, 6, 7, 90–98
monitoring, xi, 1, 26–28, 38, 50, 53,
Bering-Bridge Expedition, 91–93, 104 63–80, 105, 161, 162, 180, 183,
Biosphere, 97, 99, 100 188–193
Body fluid shifts, 17, 18, 22, 26 on-board monitoring, 191–193
Bones, de-mineralization, 23, 24 remote monitoring, 189, 190
private psychological conference,
Career motivation, 5–7, 90, 95, 96, 98 190, 196, 197
Circadian rhythms, 16, 27, 29–34, psychological closing and
168, 189 information filtration, 105
alteration of, 33 selection, see Selection
zeitgeber, 30, 31, 33, 168 size, 1, 2, 90, 102, 103, 122, 178,
Cognitive decrements in space, 50–55 214, 217, 219, 220, 229
Color scheme, 165, 166, 220 support, see In-flight support
Compensatory control model of stress, training, 179, 188
53, 54, 78 Crew-ground interactions, 90,
Countermeasures, medical, 24–27 105–107, 113
cycle ergometer (CVIS), 25 Crewmember interactions
fluid loading, 25, 26 on ISS, 113–124
lower body negative pressure on Mir, 108–124, 147–150
(LBNP), 25, 26 See also Chapter 4
multi-purpose resistive exercise Crew resource management (CRM)
device (RED), 25 training, 184, 187, 188
treadmill (TVIS), 25 Critical incident log, 109, 113,
Countermeasures, psychological, 8, 9, 121, 123
226–229, 231 Cultural challenges and ISS,
See also Chapter 6 124, 125
237
Cultural differences, 2, 7, 90, 93, 107, Habitability, 1, 2, 9, 15, 16, 32, 55,
115–117, 121–125, 149, 150, 161–166, 221
166, 178, 181, 183, 185 HUBES, see Human Behavior Study
and mood, 149, 150 (HUBES)
organizational, 93, 121–123 Human Behavior Study (HUBES), 97,
104, 105
De-conditioning, 16, 19, 24–27, 77 Human factors, see Habitability; Work
Displacement, 2, 90, 105, 106, 108, Design
109, 111, 112, 115, 116, 120,
121, 123, 180 Illusions
Dual-task performance, 67, 68, 70, elevator, 61
73–78 geometric, 58, 59
inversion, 57
Earth-out-of-view phenomenon, spatial, 56, 57
228, 229 visual, 2, 20, 49, 55
ECOPSY study, 97, 105 In-flight support, 193–197, 217, 227
Edwards Personal Preference Scale, International Biomedical Expedition to
96, 97 the Antarctic, 98, 99, 143
Ergonomics, see Habitability International Space Station (ISS), x, xi,
EXEMSI, see Experimental Campaign xii, xv, 1, 5, 14, 24, 48, 88, 90,
for the European Manned 91, 104, 106–108, 113–125,
Infrastructure (EXEMSI) 153, 160, 164, 168, 181–183,
Experimental Campaign for the 194, 197, 210–213, 217, 226
European Manned ISEMSI, see Isolation Study for
Infrastructure (EXEMSI), 91, European Manned Space
96, 98, 100, 104, 106 Infrastructure (ISEMSI)
Experimental settings, 3–5 Isolation Study for European Manned
Eye movements, 19, 20, 28, 29, 50, 55 Space Infrastructure
(ISEMSI), 97
Facial swelling, psychological impact ISS, see International Space Station
of, 17, 18, 179 (ISS)
Family
private family conferences, 194, Kelly and Kanas survey, 3, 18, 37, 101,
196, 226 105, 118, 119, 122, 136, 140,
as support for astronauts, 194–196 146, 166, 177, 179, 195, 196
support for, 197 Kelly Repertory Grid, 97
FIRO-B (Fundamental Interpersonal
Relations Orientation- Language and dialect, 7, 90, 94, 100,
Behavior), 96 101, 107, 108, 113, 118, 119,
Food choices, 80, 95, 100, 163, 193, 121, 122, 124, 176, 177, 182,
195, 212, 228, 230 183, 194
Leadership roles, 90, 102–104, 112,
Gender, 2, 6, 90–92, 94, 97, 98, 138, 122, 123, 183
178, 227 Lebedev diary, 38, 91, 93, 95, 97, 99,
Group Environment Scale (GES), 102, 103, 106, 135, 140,
109, 110, 114, 115 166–169
Index 239
Leisure time, 100, 109, 146, 160, Perceptual changes in space, 146
194, 195 See also Illusions
Line-oriented flight training (LOFT), Perceptual-motor skills, complex,
187, 188 78–80, 221
Long-eye phenomenon, 98 Personality, 2, 6, 8, 22, 37, 38, 90,
Lunar-Mars Life Support Test 96–98, 120, 121, 123, 138, 140,
Project, 188 142–144, 170–179, 191, 198,
227, 231
McDonnell Douglas simulation Personality Characteristics Inventory
study, 105 (PCI), 96
Marital problems, 144, 198 Positive experiences in space study,
Mars missions, 213, 215–229 136–139
cosmonaut survey, 219, 220 Post-flight readjustment, 197, 198
Mars Direct Plan, 216 Post-traumatic stress disorder, 225
psychological challenges, 220–229 Privacy, 2, 16, 94, 99, 164, 221, 230
Mass discrimination, 56, 60 Profile of Mood States (POMS), 100,
Medications 109, 110, 114, 115, 147–149
effects of microgravity on, 151–153 Proprioception, 51, 60, 62
usage, 28, 146, 150, 151, 153 Psychomotor performance, 23, 50, 52,
Mental efficiency, 80, 192 66, 152
Mental rotation, 55, 59, 60 Psychosis, see Mood and thought
Microgravity disorders
effects on brain, 50–52 Psychotherapy, see Crew, counseling
effects on medications, 151–153 and psychotherapy
See also Adaptation
MiniCog Rapid Assessment Battery Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, see
(MRAB), 192, 193 Sleep
Mir space station, xii, xiii, xv, xvi, 1, Reaction time, 32, 64, 65, 70
6, 24, 27, 28, 38, 39, 64, 65, Re-interpretation hypothesis, 63, 77
67–77, 79, 80, 91, 93, 95, 98, Research in space, 5, 139, 153,
100, 103, 104, 106–124, 135, 229–231
139, 140, 147–150, 167, 179, Right stuff, 97, 171–175
191, 192, 196, 211, 220
Mission control challenges study, Salutogenesis, 135–139
106–108 Salyut Space station, 1, 24, 36, 37,
Mood and thought disorders, 139, 91–93, 95, 101–103, 135, 140,
141–143, 151, 225, 228 146, 161, 162, 166, 169, 170,
Moon missions, 211, 213–215, 196, 211
217, 218 See also Lebedev diary
Muscles, atrophy of, 23, 24 Scapegoating, 2, 90, 97, 98, 103, 198
Schizophrenia, see Mood and thought
Neurasthenia, see Asthenia disorders
Novelty effect, 73, 111, 115, 120 Selection, 169–179
select-in, 98, 169, 171–175, 227
Object recognition, 55, 59, 60 select-out, 96, 142, 169, 170, 171
Orthostatic tolerance, 19, 24 Sensitivity training, 186–188
Sensory conflict, 20–23, 50, 57
Sexual contact, 92 Stressors vs stress in space, 1–3

SFINCSS, see Simulation of a Flight Submariners’ wives syndrome, see
of International Crew on Space Marital problems
Station (SFINCSS) Suicide, 2, 150, 224, 226, 228
Simulation of a Flight of International Support, see In-flight support
Crew on Space Station
(SFINCSS), 92, 93, 97, Team building, 124, 125, 150,
100, 101 185–188
Skylab space station, 1, 24, 61, 73, 79, Tektite submersible habitat, 91
95, 106, 167, 168, 190, 211 Territorial behavior, 2, 90, 96, 99, 102,
Sleep 147, 164, 180
disturbances, 2, 27–35, 37, 63, Third quarter phenomenon, 4, 8,
144–146, 164, 168, 225 35–37, 99, 111, 115,
medication, 28, 151 119, 120
rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, Thought disorders, see Mood and
28–30 thought disorders
regulation, 27, 29, 30, 34 Time effects, 7, 8, 34–39, 98, 99,
restriction, 32, 33 110, 111, 115, 116, 119,
shift(ing), 33, 168 120, 148
Somatoform disorders, 2, 17, 140, 154 Tracking performance, 63–78, 191
Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment
Tool for Windows Vestibular system, 16, 19, 50, 56
(WinScat), 192 vestibulo-ocular reflex, 19, 56
Space motion sickness (SMS), 20–23 vestibulo-spinal reflex, 19, 20
countermeasures, 21–23 Voice analysis, 153, 190, 191
theories of, 22
Space shuttle, x, 5, 7, 24, 26, 33, 105, Windows, value of in space, 163, 165,
107, 114, 139, 151, 168, 213 166, 228
Space tourism, 211–213 WinScat, see Spaceflight Cognitive
Spatial orientation, 20, 50, 51, 55–57, Assessment Tool for Windows
70, 166 (WinScat)
Spatial perception, 49, 50, 55, 58, Work design, 9, 161, 162, 167–169
59, 65 Work Environment Scale (WES), 109,
Speech analysis, see Voice analysis 110, 114, 115
Stages of adaptation to space, see Work-rest schedule (or cycle), 2, 27,
Adaptation 29–33, 36, 80, 168, 189, 220
Status leveling, 90, 104
Stress, compensatory control model, Yerkes-Dodson Law, 52
see Compensatory control
model of stress Zeitgebers, see Circadian rhythms

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What are some of the challenges astronauts face in space?

What are some of the challenges astronauts face in space?

What are some of the psychological effects of living in microgravity?

What are some of the psychological effects of living in microgravity?

SPACE PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY

THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY

An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites, J.J. Pocha

The Space Technology Library Editorial Board

Managing Editor: James R. Wertz, Microcosm, Inc., El Segundo, CA

Editorial Board: Val A. Chobotov, Consultant on Space Hazards to the Aerospace

Nick Kanas, M.D.

Dietrich Manzey, Ph.D.

ISBN 978-1-4020-6769-3 (HB)

Sold and distributed in North, Central and South America

Cover design by Jeanine Newcomb and Joy Sakaguchi.

Printed on acid-free paper

All Rights Reserved

(Underlined sections emphasize empirical work conducted in space)

Preface (1st Edition) xi

Preface (2nd Edition) xv

1.1. Humans in space 1

2. Basic Issues Of Human Adaptation to Space Flight 15

2.1. Space as an extreme environment 15

2.4. Psychological adaptation to long-duration space flight:

3.1. Basic issues 49

4.1. Interpersonal issues 89

4.3. Crew cohesion 98

5. Psychiatric Issues 135

5.1. Behavioral health and salutogenesis 135

6. Psychological Countermeasures 161

6.1. General aspects 161

6.5.3.3. Crew-oriented sensitivity training

7. Future Challenges 211

7.1. Space tourism 211

Nick Kanas, M.D.

1.1. Humans in space

1.2. Stressors and stress in space

Table 1.1. Examples of Stressors Encountered During Human Space Missions.

Physical Habitability Psychological Interpersonal

Acceleration Vibration Isolation Gender issues

Microgravity Ambient noise Confinement Cultural effects

Ionizing radiation Temperature Danger Personality conflicts

Meteoroid impacts Lighting Monotony Crew size

Light/dark cycles Air quality Workload Leadership issues

example, monotony and workload stressors can be minimized by carefully planning

Table 1.2. Examples of Stresses Encountered During Human Space Missions.

Physiological Performance Interpersonal Psychiatric

Space sickness Disorientation Tension Adjustment disorders

Vestibular problems Visual illusions Withdrawal/territorial Somatoform

Sleep disturbances Attention deficits Lack of privacy Depression

Bodily fluid shifts Error proneness Scapegoating Suicidal thoughts

Bone loss and Psychomotor Affect displacement Asthenia

1.3. Sources of information

1.3.1. Anecdotal reports

1.3.2. Space analog and simulation studies

Table 1.3. Types of Anecdotal Information of Relevance to Psychological and Psychiatric

Publications of diaries from space travelers [Chaikin, 1985; Lebedev, 1988]

Newspaper and magazine articles [Associated Press, 1995; Benson, 1996;

Arctic and Antarctic expeditions