Long-duration isolation experiments in preparation of interplanetary missions: Psychological support of international crews

The current development of international cooperation, assimilation and integration of representatives of different ethnic groups has led to the urgent need to take this factor into account in the planning, organization and implementation of complex scientific and technological projects, such as space exploration missions (Moon or Mars missions). In this regard, it becomes obvious that crew training and in-flight activities of astronauts cannot be planned without considering intercultural relations, including relevant psychological support of international crews, playing a key role for the success of such space missions. The efficiency of the entire range of activities related to space activities in general depends directly on the ability to build cross-cultural relationships between all stakeholders. The main tool of achieving mutual understanding in any kind of activity in general and the work of astronauts in particular is communication. Communication among the crew of astronauts and with ground control is strongly impacted by their cultural background and in long-duration space missions this impact is strongly aggravated.This paper presents a quantitative complex study of the impact of cultural background of members of an international crew on their information and communication needs with the outside world during long-duration isolation and autonomy during the Mars-500 project. In the course of the study a new approach to psychological support of an international crew in ground-based isolation studies was developed and implemented, considering culturally influenced information and communication needs of the international crew members. It was demonstrated that it is necessary to combine the principle of parity of information support in a long-duration autonomous mission of an international crew with the principle of individualization of psychological support, based on the cultural identity and psycho-physiological condition of the crew members. The results of the study have confirmed the efficiency of this new approach and represent a valuable input for the further development of psychological support of international crews during long-duration isolation / space missions.