An ihrer Jahresversammlung morgen in Boston hat's die American Psychological Association auch von psychologischen Problemen bei langen Weltraummissionen. Wie Astrodepressionen im Team zu vermeiden sind, wollen die Fachleute von Kolumbus, Magellan, Livingston & Co lernen:

Psychologists also looked to history for guidance in future space missions. "The closest analogue to Mars exploration is the exploration of Earth," said psychologist Peter Suedfeld, PhD. "Both maritime and terrestrial explorers struck off into the unknown, often for many years at a time." Like space explorers, they had little or no communication with home, and had to devise ways of coping with unforeseen and unfamiliar hardships and dangers. Psychologists are re-examining sea and land voyagers' diaries, logs and letters for a glimpse into how these explorers dealt with boredom, rebelliousness and dissent. They said it may be best way to predict some aspects of future long-duration missions.