Week 8 Long Space as an Extreme and Unusual Environment Study Notes

Concept of Space as the Final Frontier - Space is often referred to as the final frontier due to its extremity and remoteness. - Researchers unanimously agree that space constitutes both an Extreme and Unusual Environment (EUE) and an Isolated and Confined Environment (ICE).

Task: (Students encouraged to engage) - Reflect on personal feelings towards space exploration after viewing a gallery of space-themed movies. - Engage via a Padlet wall for sharing thoughts on the fascination with space travel and personal willingness to travel to space.

EUEs pose extraordinary challenges including: - Physical Challenges: Require adaptation to extreme conditions. - Psychological Challenges: Mental health and stress are profoundly influenced by the environment. - Social Challenges: Isolation and interaction with limited social networks affect adaptability. - Technological Challenges: Dependence on complex technologies for survival.
Defined in literature by Barnett & Kring (2003), Kanas & Manzey (2003), Suedfeld (1991), Suedfeld & Mocellin (1987): EUEs necessitate significant, complex, and deliberate action for adaptation and performance.

Oxygen: Insufficient oxygen levels.
Temperature: Extreme cold conditions.
Radiation and Microgravity: Exposure to radiation when outside, presence of microgravity effects.
Food and Water: No access to fresh water or food supplies, must be transported.
Limited Space: No clear demarcation of work/non-work areas; confined living conditions.
Viral Reactivity: Increased susceptibility to viruses, such as herpes and Epstein Barr.

Mood: Risks of negative mood states like boredom, especially during long missions.
Novelty: Lack of novelty can lead to mental fatigue.
Workload: High demands contribute to stress.
Chronic Noise: Exposure to white noise from mechanical systems.
Cognitive Declines: Reports of memory and attention issues during extended missions.
Crew Dynamics: Habits of crew members can lead to increased tension or irritability.

Confined Space: Long-term confinement with the same small group may lead to interpersonal tensions.
Isolation: Extended separation from family and friends can affect morale and mental health.
Communication: Limited private communications with mission control or loved ones exacerbates feelings of isolation.

Technology Dependency: Space missions require complex technologies for entry and exit.
Life Support Systems: Essential for oxygen supply, carbon dioxide expulsion, and waste management.
Transport of Supplies: Must avoid spoilage and damage; compact transportation is vital.

Research Context: Focus both on positive and negative impacts; coexistence of both experiences is common.
Positive Outcomes: Motivation for individuals to seek inclusion on space missions despite known risks.
Noteworthy Concepts: Asthenia and the Overview Effect will be explored in detail later in the module.

Pathogenic vs. Salutogenic Paradigms - Astronaut experiences can be classified into categories highlighting both health risks and well-being. - Pathogenic: Focuses on adverse health effects. - Salutogenic: Highlights adaptations and growth despite challenges.

Nutrition: Lack of fresh food leads to reliance on vacuum-sealed food; issues with feeling full due to microgravity.
Weight Changes: Weight loss is common; linked to altered physiological responses.
Health Hazards: Chronic risk of injury or fatal accidents exists in the space environment.

Isolation: Captivity in confined spaces hampers psychological well-being.
Cultural Challenges: Multicultural crews complicate interactions, highlighting differences in communication style.
Limited Novelty: Initial excitement diminishes, leading to frustration.
Communication Barriers: Restrictions can lead to strained relationships with family.
Performance Monitoring: Constant performance assessments infringe on astronaut privacy, leading to stress.

Radiation Exposure: Higher risks of cataracts and cancer due to lack of atmospheric protection.
Bone Density: Increased risk of osteoporosis; potential for lost bone mass upon return to Earth.
Vision Issues: Astronauts may experience decreased visual acuity post-mission.
Let-down Effect: Post-mission, astronauts may experience dissatisfaction and physical illness unrelated to space exposure but tied to psychological change.

Cognitive Let-down: Feelings of grief experienced upon returning to normal life after transformative experiences in space.
Altered Relationships: Changes in emotional connectedness due to limited physical and intimate interactions.

NASA's Twin Study: Research tracking differences between a twin in space and one on Earth. - Noted that the space twin may have 7% altered DNA, a striking result given human DNA similarity. - Encouragement for independent research into epigenetics for deeper understanding.

Need for Training: Due to the impossibility of trial runs, analogue environments such as Antarctica are utilized.
NASA Studies: Missions simulate space conditions in isolated environments like the Arctic and ocean depths.

Project Overview: Simulated Mars mission lasting 520 days with six astronauts.
Post-Mission Reactions: Insights into immunological changes and weightlessness effects discussed.

Definition: Asthenia characterized by fatigue, irritability, and attention disorders (Sandoval et al., 2012).
Controversy: Recognized as a disorder in some cultures but debated in others.
Diagnosis Inconsistency: Various definitions lead to confusion and possible underdiagnosis in astronauts.

Definition: A cognitive shift experienced upon seeing Earth from space, invoking feelings of awe and interconnectedness (Yaden et al., 2016).
Impact on Astronauts: Changes in empathy and concern for global issues noted among astronauts post-mission.

Earth-Out-of-View Phenomenon: Refers to the psychological challenge astronauts face when Earth becomes a distant, insignificant dot, potentially leading to deeper feelings of isolation.
Future Missions: The unknown psychological impacts of deeper space travel, particularly on missions to Mars, raise significant concerns for astronaut mental health and well-being.