PREPARING FOR LIFE IN SPACE
Traveling into space is very exciting for astronauts, but they also face many physical and psychological challenges. There is already evidence, for example, that after only a few months in space they suffer1 from sleep problems and have difficulty concentrating. And now there are plans to send astronauts to explore Mars – a planet so far away that getting there and back will take over a year. Scientists are therefore trying to get a better understanding of the possible effects of such a long journey2, and to find ways of helping astronauts cope better.(lines 1–6)
In search of answers, researchers have studied how people here on Earth cope under conditions that are similar to those in space. One good source3 of information is the small groups of scientists working in Antarctica, who often stay there for over a year. The region is totally dark for much of the year, and does not have the day-night cycle4 that people are used to. Consequently, the scientists there have difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, during the long winters the terrible weather prevents them from leaving the region. They can't even be sent to a hospital if they become very ill. Many scientists have reported that due to their isolation5 they greatly miss their friends back home.(lines 7–14)
Norwegian psychologist Gro Sandal has studied a group of scientists who stayed for about a year at the Concordia Research Station in Antarctica. She found that they had significant psychological changes after six months – that is, when half of the stay was over and the other half was still ahead. At that point, the scientists became apathetic6, losing interest even in looking after their equipment and in doing their experiments. This problem, said Sandal, can be especially dangerous for astronauts if they are faced with an emergency7 in space and need to react quickly.(lines 15–21)
Methods for maintaining8 the mental health of astronauts are now being tested on scientists living in Antarctica. It has already been found that using virtual reality technology to show them beautiful natural scenery – such as forests, lakes, and mountains – is very helpful. For example, it has made them happier. Other research done in Antarctica has shown that several short naps9 over 24 hours can actually replace a full night’s sleep. Researchers hope that, in the future, such solutions will be useful far beyond Earth.(lines 22–27)