What impact will the living conditions on Mars have on human psychology, and how can we prepare for these changes?

Introduction

With the rapid development in technology and interest in space exploration, scientists have started research on the possibility of human colonisation of other planets. One planet that has been a top contender for possible places to colonise, is Mars. According to The European Space Association (ESA) (2018), Mars is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system and evidence suggests that it was once habitable with water and a thick, warm atmosphere.

This essay explores the effect that the living conditions on Mars may have on potential human settlers. The prospect of colonising space presents many potential challenges, including protection from radiation levels, living and working in cramped, microgravity environments for extended periods of time, and the psychological toll of being isolated, confined, and removed from society (Sagan, 2011). To explore the potential impact of this on settlers’ well-being, this essay will build a critical context through examining secondary sources, and then speculate on possible solutions to the issues presented.

Psychological Challenges

There have been numerous documented cases of mental health problems among astronauts. Buzz Aldrin and Lisa Nowak are frequently mentioned, as they struggled with alcoholism and attempted assault respectively (Loughborough University, 2022). Colonists will be faced with prolonged isolation, limits, and demands while exploring Mars which may present a number of psychological and social difficulties.

These concerns are supported by research in this area, for example, an isolation experiment, Mars-500, was performed between 2007 and 2011 by the Russia (ROSCOSMOS), the ESA, and China (CNSA) as part of preparations for a future crewed Mars mission (Elder, 2011; European Space Agency, 2007). The study ended with four out of six crew members experiencing psychological changes, principally, disruptions in their sleep quality and sleep-wake cycles, resulting in deficits in their ability to stay alert indicating insufficient adjustment to their natural circadian rhythms (Basner et al., 2013). In a second study, a crew member showed early signs of depression (Sample, 2013). During a real mission, changes like these would likely affect group dynamics and hinder success.

In addition, this experiment was only a simulation; a Mars mission will be longer and farther than any previous space mission, so it is only fair to speculate how much harsher conditions could be for a crew on Mars. To prepare for the challenges posed several strategies must be employed.

Screening Process

A tested strategy would be vetting astronauts for the mission. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mandates that astronaut candidates pass an origami test, which requires them to create 1,000 miniature paper cranes. Natsuhiko Inoue, a psychologist from JAXA explained that this test is conducted to observe candidates’ response to stress, as a decrease in accuracy can indicate impatience (Aschw and en, 2016). This indicates that being level-headed in stressful environments is imperative on missions, and would be on Mars. In preparation for Mars exploration, even NASA has recognised the importance of astronauts undergoing a rigorous screening process to assess their psychological resilience, ability to work in a team, self-awareness, and even their sense of humour (Gannon, 2017). Such tests are understandable as any candidate would be expected to perform missions and help develop the Mars colony.

Connection to Home Planet

Perhaps another viable strategy would be employing countermeasures that are currently in place to address this issue, many of them involve ensuring that astronauts feel a sense of connection to Earth. For example, current astronauts on the International Space Station can communicate through real-time video chats with loved ones, mission controllers, and medical professionals (Gannon, 2017). Return to Space (2022), a Netflix documentary shows astronaut Bob Behnken taking his son’s soft toy into space. According to him, he does this to normalise the process for his son, but he might have taken it to feel connected to his family. This goes to show that the familiarity of home and social interactions can help astronauts stay focused.

Technology can assist this in various ways. Developing immersive simulations using virtual reality has the ability to help in preventing issues related to behavioural health (Salamon et al., 2018). For example, The EDEN project is a collaborative effort between Stardust Technologies in Ontario, the CSA and the National Research Council of Canada. It employs virtual reality, neural systems, and haptic feedback to tackle the psychological well-being of present and future astronauts in extraterrestrial surroundings. By enabling the astronauts to interact with Earth’s surroundings and people, EDEN helps them remain connected to their home planet (Canadian Space Agency, 2022). Nonetheless, the covid-19 pandemic showed us the limitations of virtual communications, which were not satisfactory and did not prove to be a long term solution for most people, so going forward it will be imperative to refine these technologies for them to be helpful.

Environment and Architecture

In 1943 Winston Churchil said, “We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.” (UK Parliament, 2019)

In 2015, NASA announced a 3 phased, 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge that asked the public for habitation ideas for space exploration that addressed issues such as “shelter, food, water, breathable air, communication, exercise, social interactions, and medicine” (Williams, 2019). Over 165 submissions were received over a period of six years with one winner chosen for each phase. It was evident that attention to the psychological needs of the residents had been paid in many submissions. One such submission was the phase 1 winner, Mars Ice House. An emphasis was placed on connecting the interiors with the outside landscape of the new planet and providing light to the interiors. The design included an ice exterior and hydroponic gardens in the habitat that serve as the recreational parks and allowed variegated “dappled” light effects benefitting the crew psychologically (Mars Ice House, 2015). AI Spacefactory’s Marsha project (winner of phase 3) evidenced a different approach to creating conditions to optimise crew health. They created the interiors to encourage movement (AI SpaceFactory, 2018). Each of their rooms also provides an element of surprise and space to allow inhabitants to slip away and clear their minds. These considerations might provide settlers with privacy while averting isolation and monotony. Though, it is essential to note that all current architectural plans have been made with a greater focus on structural stability and utilising resources on Mars. These habitats have not been tested with live subjects to prove their purpose regarding psychological health.

The effect of architecture on our emotions is massive and according to Harris (2020), given that people interact regularly with their physical surroundings, the built environment can alleviate stress or assist people in managing it. This mindset could be very helpful when creating living spaces for colonists on Mars.

Conclusion

The essay demonstrates that psychological issues are inevitable during space travel as a consequence of isolation and confinement. Despite the fact that the studies indicate that measures are being developed to help colonists stay psychologically stable, we are unable to draw any definitive conclusions since no one has been to Mars yet. There are still too many variables regarding the journey and colonisation of Mars. In light of these challenges, we must also ask why it is necessary to colonise other planets and whether it is worthwhile. In conclusion, a further development of current ideas and the study of other strategies for ensuring psychological stability of colonists might be necessary before missions to Mars are launched.

Reference list

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Basner, M. et al. (2013) “Mars 520-d mission simulation reveals protracted crew hypokinesis and alterations of sleep duration and timing,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(7), pp. 2635–2640. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1212646110.

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Elder, M. (2011). Mars crew emerge from 18-month mission that never left the car park. The Guardian. [online] 4 Nov. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2011/nov/04/mars-500-astronauts-emerge (Accessed 3 May 2023).

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