Test facilities like the Advanced Life Support Chamber at the Johnson Space Center allowed 4 crewmembers to spend 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days in an enclosed self-contained habitat between 1995 and 1997 . These tests were designed to prepare for long-duration, on-orbit Moon and Mars missions. Systems were tested as well as compatibility and stress factors influencing crews. The Bioplexfacility at the Johnson Space Center was designed to continue the research done in the Advanced Life Support Chamber. Click here for a powerpoint presentation on the Bioplex facility.

Advanced Life Support Chamber Commander Nigel Packham

A simulated Mars outpost located in a region on Earth like Antarctica or the Arctic (which have some similarities to Mars) could serve as a test bed for Mars mission technologies and human factors studies.  A Mars research base might prototype improved solar power and portable energy systems, as well as systems for recovering useable water from urine and hydroponics for growing fresh vegetables. Doctors could also study the physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of long stays in an alien environment. Click here to see the Mars Society’s plan for a Mars Arctic Research Station.

Several issues must be considered when choosing the crews, size (number of crewmembers), composition (pilots, scientists, engineers, doctors, mechanics, etc.), gender (men, women, married couples, etc.), and nationality (cultural issues). The group dynamics of a smaller (3-4 member) crew is different from that of a larger (7-8 member) crew. Consider teams you have been a part of. Was it easier to work in a small group or a large group? How were they different? Making sure that the right person is available for all necessary tasks is also of key importance, but so is having crewmembers cross trained in other fields so there is no single-point failure.  To read about the Human Requirements for Spaceflight click here.
 

Astronaut Catherine (Cady) Coleman

Research has shown women are as suitable as men for space travel, especially when we take into consideration the fact that physical strength is much less important in zero g than it is on Earth. Further, women may be more suitable for space missions than men in some ways.  Women generally weigh less and, therefore, consume less food and oxygen than men.

Also, it has been reported in some studies that women are more radiation resistant than men. Furthermore, additional research has indicated that women may be superior to men at withstanding the combined stresses of space.

To read about leadership and small group dynamics in spaceflight visit this site.

For more information about communication between crew members click here.

The Team, Concluded