Long-duration space missions take place under extremely harsh conditions and in extreme environments, i.e., in isolation, under threatening environmental conditions, and while performing demanding tasks. Astronauts are part of what are known as “extreme teams” or “high-responsibility teams,” who bear a particularly high level of responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The presentation will address challenges to the mental health of crew members. These include, for example, isolation from life on Earth, perceived monotony, poor sleep, social tensions, and time-delayed communication. Ways in which the crew can support themselves while experiencing autonomy will be highlighted.

Dr. Vera Hagemann is a professor of business psychology and human resources at the University of Bremen and editor of the journal “Research for People in Organizations”. As part of the Martian Mindset Cluster of Excellence, she and her team conduct research on human-agent teaming. Recognizing that human factors are essential in high-risk environments, she also founded the German Association for Human Factors in Emergency Response (Deutscher Verband für Human Factors in der Gefahrenabwehr, e.V.) and serves as its vice president. Her research focuses on high-responsibility teams, team training, debriefing, and human-agent/AI teaming.

This event will be held in english.