Antarctica as a Model for the Human Exploration of Mars
Abstract
Among the many issues to be addressed in planning for the eventual human exploration of Mars are the processes of social adaptation and psychological adjustment to prolonged isolation in an extreme environment. An understanding of these two interrelated processes is critical from the standpoint of personnel selection, crew organization, and task performance. The human experience of exploration and research in Antarctica can contribute much to this understanding. This paper provides a brief historical overview of the experience of social adaptation and psychological adjustment of Antarctic expeditions. Factors which currently influence these processes in the Antarctic, including social organization, 'Antarctic culture' social and psychological resources used for coping with stress, and environmental resources and constraints, are examined. This paper also describes the effect of these processes on the health and performance of Antarctic winter-over personnel. The relevance of the Antarctic experience to planning for extended missions on Mars is discussed. Keywords: Operation deep freeze; Stress(Psychology); Isolation; Health; Performance(Human); Human factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185835
Entities
People
- Lawrence A Palinkas