NASA research illuminates life inspace--and right here on
Earth
The acronym NASA may conjure up images of rocket science and outer
space, but the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's research
on other planets can also teach us a lot about handling life's day-to-day
challenges on Earth. Here, NASA chief scientist Kathie Olsen, Ph.D., and
David Tomko, Ph.D., lead scientist for biomedical research and
countermeasures, explain how NASA explores the final frontiers of the
human experience.
Nancy K. Dess [NKD]: Why is NASA's research important for everyday
people?
Kathie Olsen [KO]: On Earth, as in space, people encounter complex
and stressful situations. NASA's research on intercultural communication,
visual and balance perception, and how to tolerate boredom or cope with
noisy environments, for example, is relevant everywhere.
NKD: When did NASA get into behavioral research?
David Tomko [DT]: It's been a minor research thread until the last
few years, during which it's grown tremendously.
KO: Now that there are longer flights into space, psychological
factors are playing a major role. For example, sleep becomes disrupted
during shuttle flights, which can profoundly affect the crew's thinking
and performance.
NKD: What is the day-night cycle in orbit?
KO: A new day begins every 90 minutes.
NKD: How has research helped crews adjust to that sort of
disruption?
KO: Light can help fine-tune circadian rhythms, like the sleep
cycle. We gave a crew regular exposure to simulated sunlight last summer
before a midnight launch, so they would be at peak performance for
liftoff.
DT: NASA is the first organization to make work-related use of
bright light, which also is used to help people with problems such as
sleep disorders.
NKD: We've heard about astronauts drinking Tang and eating
freeze-dried ice cream. Can they enjoy real food in space?
KO: Our scientists have found that being in space is a little like
having a cold: It makes it harder to taste things. So food has to be
spicier to taste good.
DT: One researcher is designing a "salad machine" to grow lettuce
in space. Fresh veggies will provide a psychological boost to space crews
on long missions.
NKD: Still, space life must be stressful.
KO: Space is a harsh environment with many psychological challenges
like isolation. Crew cohesion and communication with Earth are
key.
DT: An important lesson from the Russian space station Mir was the
need for family contact, even if it is through e-mail.
NKD: Much of that research can probably be done on Earth.
DT: Right. NASA has many ground-based projects. For example, at the
Johnson Space Center, we are building a "bioplex" environment that
simulates the challenges of space, such as lack of privacy and lags in
communication.
NKD: I've heard that many of NASA's grants include school
outreach.
KO: We have an incredible education program. Space excites all
generations.
DT: John Glenn's shuttle flight really engaged the elderly. Museums
and other groups were online with the astronauts. And there have been so
many technological spinoffs. I think that most people understand the
benefits of space research.
KO: Underneath it all are three basic questions: How did we get
here, where are we going, and are we alone? Those questions drive NASA
and will fascinate generations to come.
PHOTO (COLOR): David Tomko, Ph.D. and Kathie Olsen, Ph.D.
ILLUSTRATION (COLOR)
Adapted by Ph.D.
Nancy K. Dess, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Occidental
College and senior scientist at the American Psychological Association in
Washington, D.C.
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