Psychology of Human Spaceflight 2404-P-MF-PHS

This course provides an exploration of space psychology, focusing on the psychological challenges faced by astronauts in the context of space exploration. The course will begin with an introduction to the field of space psychology, covering its scope, the key psychological issues in human spaceflight, and the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, which integrates psychology, human factors, and space science.
Participants will study the psychological stressors inherent in space missions, such as isolation, confinement, and monotony, and their effects on cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The course will cover how microgravity, environmental conditions, and the lack of social support systems impact psychological functioning, and will examine strategies for managing these effects.
In addition to exploring individual psychological responses, the course will address the dynamics of small teams, focusing on communication, group cohesion, conflict resolution, and leadership in the confined space of spacecraft and space stations. Topics such as decision-making under stress, problem-solving in high-risk situations, and maintaining mental health during long-duration missions will also be covered.
The course will incorporate practical applications, using space analogs (e.g., underwater missions, Antarctic research stations) as case studies to simulate spaceflight conditions and explore how these environments affect behaviour and performance. Participants will engage in discussions on countermeasures for psychological support, including pre-flight training, in-flight psychological interventions, and post-mission recovery.
By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing astronaut performance and well-being. They will be equipped with the knowledge to assess and mitigate psychological risks in future space missions, ensuring astronaut health and mission success in the evolving field of human space exploration.

Total student workload

Contact hours with the teacher: – participation in the seminar – 30 hrs Self-study hours: – reading the literature – 20 hrs – preparation for the final test – 25 hrs Altogether: 75 hrs (4 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student W1: has structured, in-depth knowledge, including terminology and methodology of space psychology and its sub-disciplines; possesses knowledge of the history of space psychology and its contemporary developments, as well as the psychological challenges of human spaceflight (K_W01). W2: has expanded knowledge of the relationship between space psychology and other disciplines, including human factors, aerospace engineering, medicine, and social sciences, and understands their role in human space exploration (K_W02). W3: knows basic research methods and techniques used in the social sciences, including the methodology of empirical research and the principles of operationalizing psychological concepts, with a focus on space-related psychological phenomena (K_W04). W4: knows basic psychophysiological measurement methods and the biological mechanisms underlying the variables measured, specifically as they relate to spaceflight-induced stress, fatigue, and cognitive performance (K_W08). W5: knows the classification of concepts and reasoning; understands the sources of errors in logical reasoning, and can recognize basic types of logical errors in the interpretation of astronaut behavior and performance in space missions (K_W31).

Learning outcomes - skills

Student U1: can apply the acquired knowledge of basic and advanced psychological processes to space-related professional work; is able to critically analyze the effectiveness and applicability of psychological knowledge used in space missions, formulate substantive conclusions and summaries, and plan and conduct diagnostic processes regarding astronauts' psychological functioning in relation to their environment (K_U02). U2: has the ability to independently propose solutions to specific research problems in space psychology; can conduct procedures to resolve research questions related to astronaut behavior, team dynamics, and performance under space mission conditions (K_U04). U3: has language skills in the scientific field of space psychology, appropriate to the academic requirements of the course, at the B2+ level of the European Language Framework, including the ability to understand and communicate psychological research related to space exploration (K_U08). U4: possesses advanced skills in preparing written work in English (the primary language of space psychology research) on topics related to space psychology, human behavior in space, and related psychological phenomena (K_U09). U5: can draw conclusions in accordance with the principles of logic and detect basic logical errors in the reasoning of others, especially in interpreting psychological data related to human behavior in space (K_U19). U6: can recognize logical relationships between statements; analyzes complex arguments related to space psychology, such as the trade-offs between human factors, mission success, and psychological well-being in space (K_U20).

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student K1: understands the necessity of expanding knowledge from other disciplines to better comprehend the bio-psycho-social functioning of humans, especially in extreme conditions like space; is aware of the psychological importance for overall human functioning during space missions (K_K05). K2: can collaborate and work in a group, assuming various roles and using the competencies acquired during the course, particularly in interdisciplinary teams involved in space mission planning and execution (K_K07). K3: is aware of the level of their own professional knowledge and skills in space psychology; understands the need for lifelong learning; can inspire and organize the learning and development process for others, and critically evaluates different psychological practices in the context of space missions (K_K11).

Teaching methods

– Theoretical classes with lecturing and discussion – Practical classes with a discussion of relevant themes – Selected exercises for astronauts

Prerequisites

N/A

Course coordinators

Anna Szala

Assessment criteria

Assessment method: Written final test (W1–W5, U1–U6, K1–K3).

Assessment criteria:
Written final test with multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions, with a maximum number of 100 points. The resulting mark is given as follows:
Fail (2) – < 50 pts
Satisfactory (3) – 50 pts (50 %)
Satisfactory plus (3+) – 60 pts (60 %)
Good (4) – 70 pts (70 %)
Good plus (4+) – 80 pts (80 %)
Very good (5) – 90 pts (90 %)

Bibliography

Main textbook:
Kanas, N. (2023). Behavioral health and human interactions in space. Springer.

Supplementary books:
Kanas, N. (2015). Humans in space: The psychological hurdles. Springer International Publishing AG.
Kanas, N., & Manzey, D. (Eds.). (2008). Space psychology and psychiatry. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6770-9
Landon, L. B., Slack, K. J., & Salas, E. (2020). Psychology and human performance in space programs: Extreme application. CRC press.
Landon, L. B., Slack, K. J., & Salas, E. (Eds.). (2021). Psychology and human performance in space programs: Research at the frontier. CRC Press / Taylor & Francis Group.
Vakoch, D. A. (2013). On orbit and beyond: Psychological perspectives on human spaceflight. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30583-2
Vakoch, D. A. (Ed.) (2011). Psychology of space exploration: Contemporary research in historical perspective. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Communications, History Program Office.

Additional fun books:
Peake, T., & European Space Agency. (2018). The astronaut selection test book. Century.
Roach, M. (2011). Packing for Mars: The curious science of life in the void. W. W. Norton & Company, Incorporated.
Weinersmith, K., & Weinersmith, Z. (2023). A city on Mars: Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through? Penguin Press.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2404-P-MF-PHS in USOSweb