Patterns in Crew-Initiated Photography of Earth from the ISS—
Is Earth Observation a Salutogenic Experience?Figure 1. Probability that self-initiated images were taken, using activity as a predictor across mission.
Tests of HypothesesHypothesis 1: Activity. Hypothesis 1 stated that fewer self-initiated images
would be taken one week prior to and during extraordinary mission events, such as
EVAs and dockings. The data analysis supported this hypothesis. Crewmembers were
less likely to take self-initiated images while preparing for and during these mission
events than during regular daily station activities. To state in statistical terms, con-
ditional upon the degree of variability that could not be described by the model (the
random effect of the intercept) and controlling for time (days) on the ISS, the type of
activity on the Station predicted whether self-initiated images were taken (t = –2.50,
p < .01). Further, crewmembers were more likely to take self-initiated images on days
of regular Station activities as the mission progressed. In other words, the longer crew-
members had been on orbit, the more likely they were to take self-initiated images
(the effect of activity also was different over time—t = –4.65, p < .01) (see figure 1).