Psychology of Space Exploration
foundly pleasing. In fact, these results hint that one could build a viable business
out of just selling simulated spaceflights.
Another encouraging finding of the study reported here is the powerful effect
of preflight group dynamics training on reducing negative interactions and increas-
ing those that are positive. We are reminded by Freedman’s Density Intensity
Hypothesis that crowding is not necessarily an aversive stimulus, but that it does
tend to amplify whatever emotion is extant in a group.
Research that answers questions invariably raises new ones, and that is true of
this research. Here is a sample of some questions raised by this research:
- For how long does the effect of preflight training last? In this project, it only
had to persist for 45 hours. - Does the effect of preflight training end abruptly, or does it taper off?
- Does a small increment of booster training return preflight training to its orig-
inal effectiveness? - Which of the variables involved in the preflight training are responsible for the
effect it produced? - Are there other variables that could be added to the preflight training syllabus
that would increase its positive effect or duration or both?
A CALL FOR A DIFFERENT TYPE
OF THINKING
As the history of spaceflight unfolds, I contend that now we are at a transition
point between the exploratory and settlement stages of spaceflight that is similar to
the opening of the American West in the United States. The early exploration of
the West was conducted by a relatively few brave and hardy explorer sorts with an
emphasis on daring and pushing back frontiers. There was much ambiguity about
the challenges and dangers that lay in uncharted territory. These beginning forays
into the unknown were followed by the incursion of hardy trappers, hunters, min-
ers, and various tradesmen. Settlers soon followed, and eventually tourists did as
well. In parallel with the western movement of people, technology was improving
to facilitate the western expansion—transportation evolved from stage coaches and
Conestoga wagons to steamboats and trains.