Psychology of Space Exploration
profiles as best fit. Insomuch as it is possible to select for hardier and better-fit per-
sonalities by filtering individuals and teams through environmental challenges,
selecting analogs with highly salient and relevant characteristics that match space
mission profiles (e.g., long versus short duration, stationkeeping versus expedition
profiles) will be important.
The Expeditionary AnalogExpeditions, by definition, revolve around movement. Expeditionary ana-
logs (e.g., oceanic, polar, desert, caving, mountaineering) include various explor-
atory goals that are characterized by moving from one place to another rather than
inhibiting a locale. Historical exploratory expeditions typically involved long dura-
tions (i.e., months to years) characterized by significant known and unknown risks,
broad goals, a high degree of situationally driven contingency decision-making, and
expectations of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Modern expeditions, in contrast, are
typically of short duration (i.e., two weeks to three months), utilize the advantages
of technology to minimize risks (e.g., weather forecasts to take advantage of the
best weather of a region and satellite communications to maintain contact), are
more narrowly goal-oriented and task-focused, and involve members with special-
ized roles and skills. In both expeditionary scenarios, teams were/are formed around
appropriate skill sets and availability and a notable lack of any attempt to screen
individuals psychologically except for medical factors. Research on team function-
ing is often secondary to expedition goals, personal goals, schedules, and contingen-
cies. The expedition may be intended to recreate experiences of earlier explorers,
such as the Polynesian Kon-Tiki oceanic traverse; set records or discover new terri-
tory, e.g., discover a route to India or explore a cave system; achieve personal chal-
lenges, such as climbing mountains or skiing to the North Pole; conduct scientific
research, e.g., by means of oceangoing research vessels or polar ice drilling teams; or
conduct commercial exploration, such as mineral and oil exploration.^26
- Bishop, Santy, and Faulk, “Team Dynamics Analysis of the Huautla Cave Diving Expedition”;
Bishop, Grobler, and SchjØll, “Relationship of Psychological and Physiological Parameters During
an Arctic Ski Expedition”: 261; T. Heyerdahl, Kon-Tiki (Chicago: Rand McNally & Company,
1950); H. R. Bernard and P. Killworth, “On the Social Structure of an Ocean Going Research