Psychosocial Issues
Stressors On-orbit
Research shows the presence of a “third quarter phenomenon,” characterized by increased
homesickness, depression, irritability, and a decrease of crew cooperation not too far after the
halfway point
“We studied the impact of leadership roles on group cohesion in both our Mir and ISS studies.
We found that the support role of the mission commander was significantly and positively
related to group cohesion among crewmembers. In our Mission Control subjects, both the task
and support roles of the team leader were significantly related to cohesion in the ground-based
work groups” (105,106).
Celebrating holidays and special events keep morale up and may bring the crew together
Cultural Issues
communication misunderstandings and differences in work management styles may cause
power conflict
each crewmember would need to have at least one person who could identify with their cultural
background
Simple tasks such as face to face communication would need to be adjusted to better suit
cultural preferences and avoid conflict
Not all cultures would be taken into consideration if celebrations would be held which oppose
their beliefs
Stressors Unique to a Mars Mission
Begin to build a dependence on machines and resources at hand
“Earth-out-of-view phenomenon” where seeing your family and friends and where you’ve lived
as small as a dot may worsen the feeling of isolation and homesickness. Other effects that may
occur include, depression, psychosis, or even suicidal thinking.
Previous family issues and anxiety due to concern
Extreme isolation, loneliness
Working under pressure in dangerous conditions may not suit much of the crew as it was not
their position to learn
Conflicting personalities in confined space
The crew to ground communication may be delayed adding more pressure to the crew if it is an
emergency situation
Reliability of equipment may fail and resources would instead need to be gathered from the
planet’s surface if possible
Free time activities must be provided for down time and it must be constantly changing as
preferences may change over time
Slow communication with ground may result in lower morale and a sense of lacking support
Crewmembers will need to resolve medical situations and schedules on their own