Psychological countermeasures

Abstract

This chapter considers countermeasures for preventing or reducing the likelihood of psychological problems among crew members during long-duration space missions with focus on effective astronaut selection, crew composition, training, and support of multicultural crews on long-duration missions. Historic differences among national space agencies in their attention to and application of psychological methods spanning the selection through the mission process are discussed. The continuation of future multinational long-duration space missions requires further culturally sensitive psychological research and operational planning to ensure the success of the mission.