Most astronauts, at least once they get over any space sickness, report an initial exhilaration at their freedom from weight. They are all disciplined, highly trained people, who share a sense of being part of an elite team with important work ahead of them. So it is not surprising that psychological problems are unusual on short-duration space missions. Sooner or later though, despite the marvellous views and the sense of mission, astronauts do feel the pressure of confinement in what amounts to a few small rooms.
 
In addition to that, in a crewed long duration exploration mission restrictions like communication delays, limited contacts with the ground and no re-supply possibility during the mission, will apply, making the majority of currently employed psychological support techniques impossible. Some new technologies/techniques have been developed recently, like email counselling, objective mood characterisation, expert systems, that might provide new possibilities for psychological support in these special situations.

Experiences from different backgrounds, countries and environments shall be collected in order to identify the most promising means for in-flight psychological support during a Mars mission. This includes providing an overview of new ideas on technologies and techniques that could be used for psychological support under the restrictions of a Mars mission and to propose promising developments.

Review of novel psychological support methods and technologies that might be applicable to long-duration exploration missions; a rating of these and, derived from this, proposals of promising concepts that should be developed in the future.  
 

Start Expected or actual duration Status Prime contractor May '06 9 months To be kicked-off As yet unknown

 
 
Last update: 17 May 2006