NASA is aiming to build an outpost on the moon by the end of 2020. The space research organization’s plan is commendable, but have they thought of all the astronauts who will have to spend months or even years on this sole natural satellite of Earth?
According to a recent study conducted by professor Chester Spell of Rutgers School of Business, the mental health of astronauts is at risk if they have to remain in solitude or a very small company of their fellow astronauts for long durations. The problem is serious since the nearest counseling session will be millions of miles from them. If we talk about the proposed manned mission to the red planet then the things seem to be much worse as there astronauts will not be able to even talk to their family members for years.
Are space agencies really prepared to tackle this problem…? I guess no because they are already busy developing technology that can be used to take humans to moon and Mars. The mental problems with astronauts is something that they should take a bit more seriously since the low gravity, extreme isolation and cramped conditions on moon will definitely show its toll on humans and if any member of the team feels down then the whole team will feel the same.
Managers at NASA and other space agencies who are planning to send humans in space for long durations should put an emphasis on social interaction among the team members and not allow anyone to remain silent or go dark, so that the missions can be cheerfully accomplished without making anyone ‘Space Sick’.
Via: Wired
