Living Aloft: Human Requirements for Extended Spaceflight

by Mary M. Connors, Albert A. Harrison

CONTENTS Acknowledgments Chapter I. Living in Space Background A Framework for Forecasting Guiding Assumptions Theoretical Orientation The Available Data Space Environments The Physical Environment The Social Environment Basic Reactions to Space-like Environments Temporal Fluctuations Summary and Conclusions Chapter II. Behavioral and Selection Implications of Biomedical Changes Physiological Deconditioning Simulation Studies Resistance to Deconditioning Countermeasures Vestibular Alterations Manifestations and Theory Resistance to Vestibular Effects Countermeasures Visual Changes Summary and Conclusions Chapter III. Habitability Background The Physical Environment Interior Space Food Hygiene Temperature and Humidity Decor and Lighting Odor Noise Health and Leisure Recreation Exercise Privacy Meaning and Functions Theory Bases of Needs Mechanisms Crowding Territoriality Privacy in Space Complex Effects Multiple Stressors Aftereffects Summary and Conclusions Chapter IV. Performance Describing Performance Work Requirements in Space Human Performance Abilities Assessment of Human Performance Discrete-task Assessment Techniques Multiple-task Batteries Partial- and Full-scale Simulation In-flight Performance Assessment Future Focus of Research on Performance Assessment Issues in Astronaut Work Regimes Factors Affecting Work Capacity Factors Affecting Work Schedules Factors Affecting Workload The Effects of Desynchronosis Sleep Disturbances Summary and Conclusions Chapter V. Small Groups Introduction Individual Characteristics and Crew Compatibility Gender Age Culture Personal Attractiveness Emotional Stability Competence Cooperativeness Social Versatility Similarities and Complementarities Group Homeostasis Crew Size and Social Compatibility Assembling Groups Interpersonal Dynamics Leadership Cohesiveness Compliance, Conformity, and Independence Group Performance Temporal Dynamics Summary and Conclusions Chapter VI. Communication Introduction Direct Interpersonal Communication Verbal Communication Nonverbal Communication Mediated Communication Planning Considerations Systems Requirements Systems Effects Application to Space Communication Networks Internal Communication External Communication Summary and Conclusions Chapter VII. Crises Introduction Externally Precipitated Crises Experience in Space Individual Response to Threat Group Processes Implications for Space Internally Precipitated Crises Psychological Episodes Transcendant Experiences Substance Abuse Grief Crisis Intervention Implications for Space Summary and Conclusions Chapter VIII. Organization and Management Introduction Spacecrew Structure Power Structures Work Roles Normative Structures Motivation Rewards Sanctions External Relations Boundary Roles Interorganizational Conflict Models of Conflict Management Reassimilation Summary and Conclusions Chapter IX. Summary and Recommendations Purpose Chapter Summaries Directions for Future Research General Research Issues Extended Spaceflight Variables Competing Perspectives Neglected Research Areas Research Opportunities Situations and Environments Methods and Approaches Conclusions References Author Index Subject Index

436 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2005

Reviews

[Gabrielle Harbowy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a reference book, not a memoir or narrative non-fiction. It presents the issues and the corresponding [early] research findings in a straightforward way, without editorializing -- an approach I found refreshing after the saccharine sensationalism of books like Packing For Mars. Though dated (the book speculates on whether spaceflight MIGHT be safe for women, since none had attempted it yet!), the concepts and research in this book provide a sound foundation regarding the issues inherent in manned spaceflight. As a writer using it for research, I found it both helpful and fascinating.