The main phenomena of space crews' communication as a rationale for the modification of mission control communicative style.

The article describes the phenomena of communication between space crews and the Mission Control Center studied within the framework of the "Content" space experiment. The experiment was conducted with participation of Russian cosmonauts during ISS-43/44 - ISS-54/55 missions, and a specially developed method of content analysis of crew-to-ground communication was used. It was shown, for instance, that the structure of communication varied significantly depending on the degree of the cosmonauts' workload and stress-related psychological tension. The main objective of our work presented in this article was discussion of the relationship of the psychological state of cosmonauts, studied on the basis of crew communication content analysis, with their need for social psychological support. The ideas about social psychological support in the context of crew - Mission Control Center (MCC) communication are outlined. Relevant practical recommendations are presented for modifying the communication style of the MCC personnel to psychologically support the crews. The principles and recommendations for effective communication will both provide continuous psychological support to the space crews in orbit and reduce the likelihood of emotional burnout among MCC personnel.

Whither the Third Quarter Phenomenon?

INTRODUCTION: In 1991, Bechtel and Berning proposed that a decrement in morale and well-being affects people working in isolated and confined environments during the third quarter of their mission. Studies conducted during such conditions have suggested that whereas some people may experience such a phenomenon, it is not a typical occurrence in space or space simulation environments. Possible reasons for varying outcomes include demand characteristic bias, individual personality traits, training omissions, experimental methodological issues, and the impact of mission events on crewmember well-being. Research related to a future Mars expedition needs to investigate the impact of these factors.Kanas N, Gushin V, Yusupova A. Whither the third quarter phenomenon? Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(8):689691.

Style Features in Communication of the Crews With Mission Control.

In "Content," an International Space Station (ISS) Russian segment space experiment, features of communication between the cosmonauts and the Mission Control Center (MCC) were studied using content analysis. The method is based on the concept of stress copings by Lazarus and Folkman. Differences found in the communication of cosmonauts led to assumptions about the existence of individual communication styles in routine communication between the cosmonauts and the MCC. The differences found were defined using V. Satir's classical model of communication types. The pre-dominance of three main communication styles ("computing," "blaming," and "placating," as per Satir) was found. Manifestations and features of styles are discussed, considering the effectiveness of the "computing" style for ISS-MCC communication. Cosmonauts with a pre-dominance of this communication style, mostly are stable and with good self-control. An increase of the "blaming" and the "placating" style features in the communication of cosmonauts may require adaptation of the MCC communication and additional psychological support for the cosmonauts.

Prospects for Psychological Support in Interplanetary Expeditions.

The article gives an overview of Russian experience in psychological support for orbital space flights. It describes procedures that currently exist and may possibly be used in upcoming manned interplanetary flights. The article also considers psychological unfavorable factors of autonomous interplanetary flights, as well as countermeasures, including promising methods of psychological support.

External Communication of Autonomous Crews Under Simulation of Interplanetary Missions.

Two experiments, with 17-day and 120-day isolation, were carried out within the frame of the Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station (SIRIUS) international project at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia). Manifestations of the "detachment" phenomenon in the crew - mission control center (MCC) communication previously identified in the Mars-500 project were confirmed in this study. As in the Mars-500 experiment, in the SIRIUS-19, the landing simulation in the halfway of isolation caused a temporary increase of crew communication with MCC. We also revealed several differences in the communication styles of male and female crew members. By the end of the experiment, there was a convergence of communication styles of all the SIRIUS crew members and also an increase in crew cohesion.