Feature Psychology

Rigors of Mars trip make teamwork a priority

Simulations, extreme environments test people's mental fortitude for voyage to Red Planet

illustration of closely knit astronaut team

EXTREME TEAMS It’s going to take a different kind of mental approach to travel to Mars and back: less individuality, more collaboration and adaptability. Astronauts are being tested to prepare for such a mission. 

Tang Yau Hoong

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

No one has come closer to experiencing the enduring solitude and high-risk travel that would accompany a mission to Mars than the three astronauts who flew to the International Space Station on November 23, 2002.