Behavioral science space contributions

Abstract

In anticipation of longer missions on the space stations, Mir and Freedom, as well as a potential return to the Moon and the exploration of Mars, human survival and the quality of life aloft will be increasingly dependent upon research in the behavioral and biological sciences. This article reviews the possible contributions to space habitation of the behavioral sciences--especially anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Before space settlements become a reality, the author makes a case for the broadening of the engineering approach to human factor studies, and consideration of the integrative living systems theory in space planning and management.

Towards an anthropology of gravity: Emotion and embodiment in microgravity environments

“…Douglas Vakoch (2011) showed how psychiatric warnings were systematically ignored to promote traits of machismo and nationalism that embody the ideals of American character. Space psychiatrists had been frustrated with the ways astronaut psychiatric data was systematically ignored or underutilized long before American collaboration with the Russian space programme aboard MIR (Helmreich, 1983;Harris, 1989). American Astronauts historically have held a culture of extreme negativity towards psychiatry which they viewed as a deterrent of progress.…”

Astrosociology on Mars

“…Many other social scientists have also contributed in meaningful and less impactful ways. Again, there are too many examples to go into detail here, but they are listed in the reference section as a good starting point [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. There are many more examples, and even this listing may seem quite overwhelming, but these social scientists represent just a trickle of contributions compared with the physical and natural sciences during the advent of the space age through today.…”

From Antarctica to Outer Space

“…Progress will depend heavily on learning from this process of feedback. (Jones, 1985, p. 13) The Living Systems project proposed at the California Space Institute envisions a computer/sensor technology for such nonintrusive monitoring of inhabitants of a space station or base (Harris, 1989b). Besides improved management and safety that could result from such procedures, a continuing learning cycle could be established for the benefit of future spacefarers.…”

“…Besides improved management and safety that could result from such procedures, a continuing learning cycle could be established for the benefit of future spacefarers. Behavioral scientists are likely to make unique contributions to the ground support team to serve the needs of space pioneers on long-duration missions (Harris, 1989b).…”