A One Year Polar Scientific Expedition Analog to a Mars Mission

Abstract

The Otto Sverdrup Centennial Expedition group consisted of an international team of 6 adults (3 married couples) and one child which spent a year traveling to and living in the Canadian Arctic. The group composition provided a unique analog to some of the speculations about the most appropriate group to select for long-duration Mars planetary habitation. This study examined individual factors, group interactions, and task performance over the course of the expedition. Subjects completed personality questionnaires, partner relationship, and work attitude and satisfaction measures prior to departure, and weekly rating forms during the Arctic period assessing mood, stress and coping, relationships, sleep patterns, energy and appetite, and work performance. Personal semi-structured interviews were also conducted approximately 9 months into the isolation period. In general, the group functioned well and expressed satisfaction with their performance. The primary stressors were feelings of confinement, lack of privacy, and personal hygiene issues. Frequently mentioned methods of coping were enjoyment of the Arctic environment, seeking support and sharing concerns with one's spouse, and daydreaming.