Maintenance of complex performance during a 135-day spaceflight simulation

Background: The maintenance of crew performance during extended space missi ons has been a major concern because of the problems associated with prolon ged isolation and confinement. Previous research has failed to address this problem by not using appropriate performance tests. Method: Three Russian cosmonauts were tested on a PC-based simulation of a spacecraft's life supp ort system during a 135-d simulation of a MIR spaceflight. A complex multip le-task environment was used to examine a comprehensive range of task manag ement variables, including both primary and secondary task performance, con trol activity and information sampling behavior. Subjective state variables were also measured. Results: The data suggested an overall successful adju stment to isolation and confinement, though some indications of temporary d isruptions of some performance indicators were observed. Information source s were sampled less frequently with increasing mission length while system control activities showed a tendency to increase. Conclusion: Suggestions a re made to address the problem of continuous learning during repeated testi ng sessions. Using well-designed computer simulations of complex task envir onments appears to be a promising approach for the evaluation of crew membe r performance.