Do you have what it takes? Experts reveal what Mars astronauts need
Share this @internewscast.com
Laying the groundwork for sending astronauts to Mars stands as a prominent aspiration in space exploration. Yet, the question remains: who will be those astronauts?

Prospective missions to Mars could span up to three years, requiring astronauts to cope with extended confinement, restricted living quarters, and, to say the least, substantial mutual dependence.

In these circumstances, one might assume that a certain type of individual is needed – someone akin to Rambo or Sarah Connor, characterized by diligence, determination, and a mission-oriented mindset.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station. (NASA)

That’s not entirely wrong – but it’s not the whole story.

In fact, according to new research, putting together a whole team of people who think and act exactly the same way is a swift recipe for disaster.

According to Iser Pena and Hao Chen from the Stevens University of Technology in the US, diverse personalities are the cornerstone of successful space expeditions.

“The lack of personal space and privacy heightens stress, which may impact team unity and performance,” the authors mentioned in a release.

“Grasping and enhancing team interactions in such extreme settings is vital, as effective teamwork, stress coping, and psychological support systems are paramount for long-term mission success.”

Artemis missions are already in motion. (AP)

Through employing advanced methodologies alongside psychological insights, the researchers evaluated how five personality traits – openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness – aligned with various mission roles like engineer, medic, or pilot.

Diverse teams performed generally better than teams composed of similar personality types, they found.

They showed lower stress levels, improved performance, cohesion, and health.

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has uncovered rocks in a dry river channel that may hold potential signs of ancient microscopic life, scientists reported on Wednesday.
This image provided by NASA shows NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover taking a selfie, made up of 62 individual images on July 23, 2024. (AP)

This suggested that a broader mix of coping styles and interpersonal dynamics might help teams maintain stability over time.

“For the first time, we’ve combined psychological insights with a computer simulation to model a 500-day mission to Mars,” the authors said.

“This new approach lets us explore how different astronaut personalities and team roles might affect a crew’s stress and performance, and it gives us a glimpse of the human challenges astronauts could face on these long journeys into deep space.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hoddle Street killer moved to 'campus-style' prison with lower security

Hoddle Street Killer Transferred to Low-Security ‘Campus-Style’ Prison

Knight received a 27-year non-parole sentence in 1988 for the 1987 incident…
Trump threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown

Trump Warns of No Back Pay for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown Threat

The administration under President Donald Trump has issued a warning about the…
Nicole Kidman is opening up 'taking risks' and the mistakes she has made in a new interview with Vogue published Wednesday - in the midst of a divorce from longtime husband Keith Urban . 'Taking a risk is what I've always done,' she shared in the cover piece. ' You get back up and you try again and you learn.'

Nicole Kidman discusses ‘taking risks’ during her divorce experience

Nicole Kidman is sharing insights about ‘taking risks’ and acknowledging the mistakes…
Three charged with murder after dad allegedly tortured for days before his death

Three Individuals Accused of Murder Following Alleged Days-Long Torture of Father

Three individuals have been formally charged with the murder of Andrew Burow…

Survivor’s Account: How a Party at Nova Festival Became a Tragic Event on October 7

On the morning of 7 October 2023, Natalie Sanandaji, a survivor of…
Granville shooting

15-Year-Old Suspected of Being Getaway Driver in Murder of Criminal Figure

A teenage boy is the newest individual to face charges related to…

Decision on Opera House Rally Expected Today as Israel Commemorates October 7 Attacks

The fate of a planned major pro-Palestine protest in front of the…
A photo that convicted paedophile was allowed to have in his cell.

Convicted Individual Permitted to Keep a Photo of Victims at Bedside During Final Days

The daughters of Daniel Hume, a convicted paedophile, were horrified to discover…
Footage shows the moment a Jetstar flight began taxiing with a cargo door wide open.

Jetstar Flight Prepares for Takeoff with Cargo Door Still Open

Footage has captured a Jetstar flight taxiing on the runway of Sydney…
Google hopes this one little tab is about to change the way you search

Google anticipates a small tab could transform your search experience

The search giant announced this morning that it would begin rolling out…

Concerns Arise Over ‘Distressing’ Home Visits Following Minister’s Proposed Revisions to Disability System

Advocates for people with disabilities are pushing for the government to clarify…

New AFP Chief Issues Strong Warning to Australia’s Adversaries: ‘Consider Yourselves on Notice’

Recently appointed Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett has initiated her…