INTERPERSONAL-RELATIONS DURING SIMULATED SPACE MISSIONS

The present article derives from two isolation studies performed for t he European Space Agency (ESA) as simulations of space travels, lastin g for 4 and 9 weeks. The aim was to study how interpersonal relations were affected by time, and how individual characteristics related to c onflicts and tension among crewmembers. A broad battery of methods was used, including video-recording, peer-ratings and self-reports. In bo th studies, group-functioning declined in the middle of the isolation and towards the end of the stay. Dominance and task motivation seemed to be important characteristics for compatibility between crewmembers, and negative relations established early in the isolation remained st able over time. These findings have implications for composition, trai ning, and support of crews for extended spaceflights.