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Is there an 'on-call' person dedicated for psychological therapy of people traveling in space? Flights are getting longer and longer, and while isolation has been studied for space and certainly screening has been undertaken, this is a need that may become more important.

For the Mars example, seeing the stronger curve of the horizon, smaller 'sun', coupled with isolation, routine, and communication lag for over a year may require a bit of support beyond just physiological.

Is there already, or are there plans for, on-call professional psychological support and monitoring after liftoff?

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This is a very important subject.

Recommended reading: Nick Kanas, Dietrich Manzey. Space Psychology and Psychiatry. Springer, 2008.

To quote (pp.193-194):

From the very beginning of long-duration space flight, the provision of psychological in-flight support to crewmembers has been an important counter- measure in Russia [Grigoriev et al., 1987; Kanas, 1991]. For this purpose, a psychological support group was established that coordinated different activities in order to counter feelings of monotony, isolation, and behavioral health issues like asthenia. Such activities have included surprise presents and favorite foods delivered via re-supply vehicles, increased on-board music and lighting, increased contact with people on Earth, and ground-crew counseling or psychotherapy [Kanas, 1991, 1998]. In addition, the arrival of visiting astronauts and cosmonauts has helped break the monotony and provided stimulation and assistance in performing mission activities.

Based on this experience, a similar system has been established by NASA for its space station support activities [Flynn, 2005; Sipes and Vander Ark, 2005].

Minimum psychological support measures (after Kanas, Manzey/ISS MORD 2000):

  • Personal packages by re-supply flights (not applicable to Mars mission)
  • Uplink of audio news once a week
  • Uplink of written news summaries once every 2 days
  • Uplink of sports/concerts/news videos
  • Videos, books, music, computer games
  • Onboard ham radio (not applicable to Mars mission)
  • Daily uplink of e-mails from family and friends
  • Private two-way videocalls contacts with family and friends (15 minutes or more for each crewmember per week)
  • Private two-way videocalls with members of the psychological support group (10 minutes or more for each crewmember once a fortnight)
  • Psychological intervention if necessary
  • Family support during the mission as necessary

When all else fails, there are risperidone and other anti-psychotics etc. in medkits.

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  • $\begingroup$ I'd imagine that a lot of potential problems are screened out in the selection process. E.g. if you're a the sort of person who needs extensive, continual contact with friends/family, you are not a prime candidate for a long-duration space mission. $\endgroup$
    – jamesqf
    Apr 19, 2015 at 19:12
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    $\begingroup$ @jamesqf - things happen. Aircraft pilots are supposed to be stable, but sometimes they aren't. Crewmembers are the pinnacle of a multibillion-dollar effort, can't save on a psychiatrist's wage. $\endgroup$
    – Deer Hunter
    Apr 19, 2015 at 19:39

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