CULTURAL DETERMINATIONS OF CO-WORKING, PERFORMANCE AND ERROR MANAGEMENT IN
SPACE OPERATIONS (CULT)
Research Area: Human Behavior and Performance
Expedition(s): 13, 14
Principal Investigator(s): ● Gro M. Sandal, PhD, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
One of the complex and previously neglected areas in aerospace research concerns the effect
of cultural variability within the astronaut corps and in the more complex environment of
multinational space operations. The overall aim of the proposed project is to assess the
potential effects of individually and culturally related values, attitudes and behavioral
preferences on operational and interpersonal factors in relation to multinational space
missions, including such aspects as crew interaction and cohesion, group identification,
leadership, conflict resolution, decision-making, and error management. Specifically, Cultural
Determinations of Co-working, Performance, and Error Management in Space Operations (Cult)
investigates the impact of such differences for co-working and co-living of resident crews
aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
EARTH BENEFITS
Results can also be used in international diplomatic relations as well as in international business
ventures to better understand other countries and their cultures.
SPACE BENEFITS
This research gives us a better
understanding of the way the
different agencies work together,
the trouble spots to work on, and
the cultural differences to respect.
This will provide more efficient use
of the station because there will
be less conflict.RESULTS
Data from the experiment is
currently being analyzed and
processed prior to results
publication.This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.
European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter (left), Expedition
13 flight engineer; cosmonaut Pavel V Vinogradov, commander
representing Russia's State Space Corporation; and astronaut Jeffrey
N Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer.
NASA image.