What's the psychological "right stuff" for a journey to the Red Planet? NASA won't release the names of the psychological tests it uses, since ambitious astronaut wanna-bes have been known to familiarize themselves with the questions beforehand. But evaluations include personality tests, biographical inventories, and family histories.
Al Holland, who has worked as a psychologist for America's astronauts, says that strong individuals who are capable of being team players are the best candidates. Also astronauts have to be able to adapt to unusual and stressful environments: including humidity, heat, and close quarters with no privacy at all. In addition, they need good judgment and just a dash of self-analysis—but too much may lead to depression. Good language skills, strong social and interpersonal skills are also required.
