Summary of Web chat held on April 17th with Drs Jack Stuster and Claude Bachelard on crew selection and psychology

The following is a summary of some of the questions answered by Dr. Jack Stuster, researcher on crew psychology and the psychological aspects of long duration flights, and Dr. Claude Bachelard, medical director of the French Polar Institute

Q : What are your research areas of expertise?
(Dr. Stuster) My work for NASA has been to study conditions that are analogous to space missions (small groups living and working in isolation and confinement). With me today is Dr. Claude Bachelard, medical director for the French polar programs, who has wintered over at remote duty stations and currently helpt to select personnel for four French stations, including the Dumont d"Urville station in Antarctica. We are analyzing the content of diaries that were maintained for this purpose by the leaders and medical officers at the stations. This is part of another NASA, CNES project.

Q : Would it be desirable, if possible, to include qualified married couples in an expedition to Mars?
Crews composed of husband and wife teams would have certain advantages but disadvantages, as well. There might be less social isolation and greater mutual suuport during the mission. The key is not the couple relationship but the personal qualities of the individuals and their relationship. Disadvantages could be that the couples would form sub groups that might detract from group solidarity

Q : Is it better to select a homogeneous or a heterogeneous crew?
Selecting a homogeneous crew reduces the probability for interpersonal conflict. In other words, the more similar the people are the fewer differences there would be to be exaggerated into big issues. However, it will be impossible to send a crew composed exclusively of Norwegian males, or French women. But theoretically, the more similar the crew members, the fewer opportunities for conflict. Remember, trivial issues are blown way out of proportion by the special conditions of isolation and confinement.

Q : What would be desirable characteristics to look for in potential crew members?
The characteristics that seem to contribute to adaptation and good performance in isolation and confinement are: likability, emotional control, patience, tolerance, self-confidence (without being arrogant), a team approach, a sense of humor, and being easily entertained. Overall, it is social compatibility that is important.

Q : In your experience, what would be the ideal age for a long duration mission?
Concerning the ages of crew members, Dr. Bachelard's experience is that the differences should not be great. Due to the effects of radiation, the personnel probably should be older rather than younger i.e., already have had children, to eliminate some of the radiation risks.
The crew members could be older than the 30-45 age range, from a physiological point of view. In a weightless environment, older less-fit people suffer fewer negative effects than younger highly-physically fit individuals (really).

Q : What can Dr. Bachelard tell us about his research on Antartic expeditions?
Dr. Bachelard was a member of the International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic (1980-81). The expedition was composed of 12 people from five countries. Problems occurred, and the divisions were along national lines. Despite the difficult living conditions, the main problems were psychological and social.
There never has been anything like the IBEA. Many countries, however, maintain remote duty stations and conduct physiological and psychological evaluations. One of the features that further distinguishes the IBEA was that the organizers consciously were studing issues relevant to space missions. Other programs, such as the Australian Antarctic program, also are studying issues relevant to space exploration. The main topics are immunology, remote medicine (including telemedicine, expert systems, etc.), endocrinology, and psychological adjustment to the conditions.
It is very difficult to send someone home from Antarctica if they turn out to be unsuitable. It would, of course, be impossible on an expedition to Mars. The suitability of personnel must be established through high-fidelity simulations long before they depart.

Q : Should a psychologist be part of the crew?
Psychologists probably will play a role on future long duration space missions by remotely monitoring the performance of the crew members. This will be accomplished unobtrusively, by studying indicators of stress, perhaps in voice transmission, but also by changes in the frequency of communications or changes in weight (actually mass, in a weightless environment), activity level, and other indicators.
Dr. Bachelard and I (Dr. Stuster) agree strongly that a psychologist would be unnecessary as a member of the crew.

Q : Would the physiological effects of a long duration trip be very important phsychosocially?
After a one-year transit to Mars, the crew members will be suffering effects of the absence of gravity, even if they exercise a lot en route. Fortunately, the gravity on Mars is less than on Earth, so the performance decrement probably will be acceptable. When the crew returns to Earth, however, they will be in bad shape. Psychosocially, however, gravity will not be an issue.
The crew members would carried from the space craft and due to bone demineralization would risk breaking bones if they tried to support their weight, among other problems such as cardiovascular deconditioning. Our bodies perform a work out each day supporting us in the gravity of Earth. Without that work out everything atrophies.

Q : Are previous simulations of confinement situations necessary?
We strongly agree that high-fidelity simulations are necessary, involving actual Mars mission crew personnel. The simulation would be most effective if conducted in a hostile outside environment, like Antarctica. Dr. Bachelard presently is working on the development of such a facility, along with the Italian Antarctic Project. The facility is called Concordia Station.
The plan is to open Concordia to researchers from all nations--a truly international program.
Concordia will be a permanent station with at least a ten-year program planned.
Concordia will be an operational research station in the year 2000 (we hope).