Splendid Isolation

 

Conditioning the Human Software
for
Lunar and Interplanetary Flight and Colonization

We are humans of Earth, genetically conditioned to a world where we enjoy freedom of movement, plentiful air and water and food. We are wanderers. We are able to choose our community and our endeavors and where and how we live with limited restrictions. Now, imagine most of that being taken away as that is what space travel and colonization requires of us.

 Humans are social animals, and experts say that isolation has a large impact on our health with the severity of the problem manifesting itself with both mental and physical symptoms. Research has found that perceived social isolation and loneliness are associated with depression, cognitive decline, poor sleep quality, a weaker immune system, and potential heart problems.

As noted in earlier posts, there are various “conditioning” facilities around the globe designed to prepare astronauts for the confinement and relative isolation associated with the ISS and other space ventures such as lunar voyages. Stays at these facilities, by comparison to interplanetary flight or colonialism, are very short term, usually week’s v/s the months and years expected on long space voyages.

Something different needs to happen to prepare us for the challenges of long duration space missions and colonization if the human software is to survive intact.

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