Habitability research priorities for the international space station and beyond

Advanced technology and the desire to explore space have resulted in increa singly longer manned space missions. Long Duration Space Flights (LDSF) hav e provided a considerable amount of scientific research on the ability of h umans to adapt and function in microgravity environments. In addition, stud ies conducted in analogous environments, such as winter-over expeditions in Antarctica, have complemented the scientific understanding of human perfor mance in LDSF. These findings indicate long duration missions may take a to ll on the individual, both physiologically and psychologically, with potent ial impacts on performance. Significant factors in any manned LDSF are habi tability, workload and performance. They are interrelated and influence one another, and therefore necessitate an integrated research approach. An int egral part of this approach will be identifying and developing tools not on ly for assessment of habitability, workload, and performance, but also for prediction of these factors as well. In addition, these tools will be used to identify and provide countermeasures to minimize decrements and maximize mission success. The purpose of this paper is to identify research goals a nd methods for the International Space Station (ISS) in order to identify c ritical factors and level of impact on habitability, workload, and performa nce and to develop and validate countermeasures. Overall, this approach wil l provide the groundwork for creating an optimal environment in which to li ve and work onboard ISS as well as preparing for longer planetary missions.