Individual Differences in Adaptability to Isolated, Confined, and Extreme Environments (original) (raw)

Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance

ASA is planning long-duration space exploration (LDSE) missions, with an expected manned mission to Mars in the early 2030s. 89 This follows NASA's broad strategic objective to "expand human presence into the solar system and to the surface of Mars to advance exploration, science, innovation, benefits to humanity, and international collaboration. " 88 Manned space missions entail unusual conditions to which astronauts must adapt, including isolation from family and friends, confinement in cramped spaces, and having to live and work in extreme environmental conditions. There is constant danger of serious injury or death should critical life support equipment fail or essential supplies run out. Demands will be even greater for astronauts on LDSE missions. Longer distances from Earth and delays in communication will increase the sense of isolation. Crews will have to function more autonomously, without assistance from NASA's Mission Control. Space vehicles on LDSE missions will afford smaller living areas for astronauts, since more space is needed for fuel and supplies. Exposure to environmental extremes will be greater and for longer periods. Considering this, it is important that astronauts on LDSE missions be able to adapt effectively to the range of isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) conditions they encounter. It is well known that people differ in how quickly they adapt to spaceflight and other extreme conditions. However, the reasons for these differences are not clear. By better understanding the factors that influence individual adaptability, organizations like NASA can design more effective training and selection programs, as well as risk mitigation strategies. To that end, the present paper provides a systematic review of the available literature on human adaptation to isolated, confined, and