The main phenomena of space crews’ communication as a rationale for the modification of mission control communicative style

Abstract

The article describes the phenomena of communication between space crews and the Mission Control Center studied within the framework of the “Content” space experiment. The experiment was conducted with participation of Russian cosmonauts during ISS-43/44 - ISS-54/55 missions, and a specially developed method of content analysis of crew-to-ground communication was used. It was shown, for instance, that the structure of communication varied significantly depending on the degree of the cosmonauts’ workload and stress-related psychological tension. The main objective of our work presented in this article was discussion of the relationship of the psychological state of cosmonauts, studied on the basis of crew communication content analysis, with their need for social psychological support. The ideas about social psychological support in the context of crew - Mission Control Center (MCC) communication are outlined. Relevant practical recommendations are presented for modifying the communication style of the MCC personnel to psychologically support the crews. The principles and recommendations for effective communication will both provide continuous psychological support to the space crews in orbit and reduce the likelihood of emotional burnout among MCC personnel.

The Communicative Behavior of Russian Cosmonauts: “Content” Space Experiment Result Generalization

“…One of the possible continuations of our study might be a content analysis of MCC personnel communications and a search for possible correlations between communication styles used by the two communication sides (both MCC personnel and crewmembers). At the same time, the MCC communication style, which is adequate for the objective situation and to a crewmember's individual characteristics, may serve as psychological support in the stressful conditions of space flight by providing the astronaut with necessary and appropriate assistance [30]. So, it is important to take into account both the specifics of the situation (its tension) and the communicative and behavioral style of the given astronaut.…”