Operational Psychological Issues for Mars and other Exploration Missions 972290
Long duration NASA-Mir program missions, and the planned International Space Station missions, have given impetus for NASA to implement an operational program of psychological preparation, monitoring, and support for its crews. For exploration missions measured in years, the importance of psychological issues increases exponentially beyond what is currently done. Psychologists' role should begin during the vehicle design and crew selection phases. Extensive preflight preparation must focus on individual and team adaptation, and leadership. Factors such as lack of resupply options and communication delays will alter in-flight monitoring and support capabilities, and require a more self-sufficient crew. Involvement in postflight recovery will also be necessry to ensure appropriate reintegration to the family and job.
Citation: Vander Ark, S., Curtis, K., Holland, A., and Flynn, C., "Operational Psychological Issues for Mars and other Exploration Missions," SAE Technical Paper 972290, 1997, https://doi.org/10.4271/972290. Download Citation
Author(s):
Stephen T. Vander Ark, Kelly D. Curtis, Albert W. Holland, Christopher F. Flynn
Affiliated:
KRUG Life Sciences, NASA Johnson Space Center
Pages: 10
Event:
International Conference On Environmental Systems
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
SAE 1997 Transactions - Journal of Aerospace-V106-1
Related Topics:
Spacecraft
Psychiatry and psychology
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