NASA astronauts face mental health challenges that cannot be quantified, despite NASA’s focus on equations and calculations for various aspects of space travel. The arrival of space stations brought about longer missions in space, prompting NASA to establish a psychological unit in 1994 to address the mental health of astronauts. Now, as NASA prepares for longer trips into deep space, the mental health of astronauts will be a critical aspect to consider for the success of missions, especially on multi-year journeys to Mars.
The documentary “Space: The Longest Goodbye,” directed by Ido Mizrahy, highlights the mental preparation of astronauts for long-distance space travel and reflects on the history of the NASA psychological unit. The film follows astronauts Kayla Barron and Cady Coleman, providing insights into the challenges they face, including separation from their families. Coleman’s story, in particular, showcases the emotional toll of being in space while leaving loved ones behind, as well as the constant surveillance astronauts are under while aboard the space station.
The film delves into the various strategies devised by the NASA psychological unit to address psychological challenges in space, such as developing a friendly robot to combat loneliness and conducting desert simulations to study interpersonal conflict in extreme isolation. These strategies, along with the personal stories of astronauts, paint a complex picture of the psychological aspects of long-term space travel. The film captures the overwhelming loneliness of space through its visuals and narratives, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by astronauts as they embark on unprecedented missions.
“Space: The Longest Goodbye” portrays the contrasting emotions experienced by astronauts, from terror and loneliness to hope and excitement, reflecting the reality of being an astronaut. It provides a poignant look at the mental health struggles of astronauts, the sacrifices they make by leaving their families behind, and the rigorous psychological evaluations they undergo while in space. The film sheds light on the unseen side of space travel, showcasing the psychological resilience and strength required to endure the challenges of long-distance missions beyond Earth.
