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Psychological, group interaction, and task performance characteristics were evaluated in four polar expedition teams varying in national and gender composition. Leaders played a crucial role in promoting strong group cohesiveness and morale. North American members were more highly focused on achievement strivings, Russians on avoidance of failure. Gender differences in behavior were also evident. An all women's team demonstrated a high level of cooperativeness and social support of other team members. Across teams, anxiety, tension, and health concerns increased in the early stages of the expedition and decreased significantly at later stages. The overall findings indicate the need to focus on the interaction of personality, cultural, gender, and task performance demands in personnel selection and during long duration missions. Implications for the optimal design of space vehicles and habitats are discussed.

The most recent goal of our research program was to identify the optimal features of each of three garments to maintain core temperature and comfort under intensive physical exertion. Four males and 2 females between the ages of 22 and 46 participated in this study. The garments evaluated were the MACS-Delphi, Russian Orlan, and NASA LCVG. Subjects were tested on different days in 2 different environmental chamber temperature/humidity conditions (24°C/H∼28%; 35°C/H∼20%). Each session consisted of stages of treadmill walking/running (250W to 700W at different stages) and rest. In general, the findings showed few consistent differences among the garments. The MACS-Delphi was better able to maintain subjects within a skin and core temperature comfort zone than was evident in the other garments as indicated by a lesser fluctuation in temperatures across physical exertion levels.