Psychological and interpersonal issues in space

As future manned space missions become longer, and as crews become more heterogeneous, psychological and interpersonal factors will take on increasing importance in assuring mission success. On the basis of a review of more than 60 American and Soviet space simulation studies on Earth, along with reports from U.S. and Soviet space missions, the author identifies nine psychological and seven interpersonal issues, which are discussed along with pertinent research findings and examples from manned spaceflights. He concludes that more psychological and interpersonal research should be done under actual spaceflight conditions and offers suggestions.