Human Adaptability for Deep Space Missions: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The present qualitative study conducts in-depth interviews with astronauts and other subject matter experts in order to shed light on human adaptability in extreme environments. Deep space travel will entail a range of highly stressful conditions to which astronauts must adapt. Feelings of isolation will be increased, as the space traveler is farther from Earth for longer periods of time. Daily life will take place in small and confined areas, for durations extending into years. The dangers of the extreme environment of space are ever-present, and failure of critical equipment or components can lead to death. Astronauts will need to function more autonomously, with diminished support from Earth. It is thus important to select and train future astronauts who are able to adapt to such extreme and variable conditions and continue to function effectively. Subject matter experts identify the central adaptive challenges faced by crewmembers, and what are the key individual attributes associated with human adaptability. Results also point to organizational factors, as well as several coping and resource strategies that can be applied to improve human adaptability to extreme environments and missions. These results can be used to inform selection and training programs, as well as the design of space vehicles, systems, and habitats in order to enhance astronaut adaptive task performance.

Toward Designing Social Human-Robot Interactions for Deep Space Exploration

“…Human adaptability for deep space environment is crucial for mission success. In addition to traditional coping and resource strategies for astronauts' adaptation [1], a space robot's social adaptability to astronauts could also facilitate their adaptation to deep space with the long-term goal of maintaining their health and productivity. Multiple social-affective signal modalities of astronauts could be leveraged to develop a robot social adaptation system, including their physiological signals (e.g., blood pressure, sleep patterns), physical conditions (e.g., malnutrition), as well as their psychological and cognitive states (e.g., depressive mood, anxiety, loneliness), alongside the robot's audiovisual observation of the naturalistic crew interactions.…”

Emotional Intelligence in Ultra-Marathon Runners: Implications for Recovery Strategy and Stress Responses during an Ultra-Endurance Race

“…These results corroborate the cognitive–motivational–relational theory [ 10 ] and emphasize that the interaction between the person and the environment is mediated by the degree to which a situation is appraised as stressful and controllable. These findings suggest that individual differences could help explain the differences in psychological responses within a challenging situation [ 25 ].…”

Crossing the Antarctica: Exploring the Effects of Appetite-Regulating Hormones and Indicators of Nutrition Status during a 93-Day Solo-Expedition

“…NASA is planning for a variety of deep space exploration activities, including a manned mission to Mars in the early 2030s [ 1 ]. Major risks have been identified for these long-duration expeditions, including isolation and having to endure and work in extreme environmental conditions [ 2 ]. Risk factors are related to both interplanetary flight and surface activity on planets [ 3 ].…”

“…Risk factors are related to both interplanetary flight and surface activity on planets [ 3 ]. Psychological strain, such as isolation from friends and family, boredom, fear of injuries and death, is ever present [ 4 , 5 ]. On the planet surface, severe physical demands during extreme temperatures will be experienced.…”

“…Antarctic expeditions have been described as “earth-bound” analogs to deep-space explorations [ 6 ]. Bartone et al [ 2 ], in their interview of subject matter experts, used both astronauts and a polar explorer as the basis for mapping various coping mechanisms during long-term space missions. Polar expeditions are characterized by some of the same psychological, physical and environmental stressors as long duration space flights.…”