Human interactions on-orbit

Abstract

Anecdotal reports from space and studies from space analogue missions on Earth have suggested four areas of importance that have relevance for human interactions during on-orbit missions: time effects, displacement, leadership roles, and cultural issues (both national and organizational). In a communications questionnaire survey given to astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space, it was found that fluency in a common language during the mission was also important, and a number of factors that improved or hindered intra-crew and crew-ground communication were revealed. Following a pilot study of human interactions during the HUman BEhaviour Study (HUBES), my colleagues and I conducted two major studies involving on-orbit missions to the Russian Mir and International Space Stations. We did not find evidence supporting time effects (in particular during the second half or the third quarter of the missions), but we did find evidence for the displacement of crew tension and unpleasant emotions to the ground and support for the importance of task and support leadership roles for group cohesion. We also found cultural differences in work pressure and tension that may have been related to national and/or organizational factors. In a separate study, we found that space is a positive experience for astronauts and cosmonauts, especially with respect to gaining an appreciation for the Earth and its beauty. These studies suggest a number of countermeasures that can be employed during future space mission in terms of crew selection, pre-launch training, mission monitoring and support, and post-return readaptation.