Analysis of the development of the structure and dynamics of relationships and bonds in the crew of a short-term simulated space flight to the Moon

Objectives. The realization of manned deep space flights places multiple demands on the entire crew. In terms of the structure and dynamics of the relationships and bonds between crew members, some of the main risks are (1) a decline in mood, morale and increased irritability among crew members (the so-called third quarter phenomenon), (2) the breakup of the crew into multiple subgroups, (3) the transfer of negative emotions from the crew to the mission control centre. The present study aims to describe, within the framework of the social action research model, these risks in their interaction during an analogue crew isolation study.Sample and settings. The isolation study of a gender-mixed crew of 17 days duration was conducted at the IBMP RAS Institute in Moscow, in a joint organization with the American NASA. The study involved 6 participants,3 women and 3 men, of both Russian and American nationalities.Statistical analyses. Relationship and bonds scales, as the basis of the sociomapping method, were used to assess the structure and dynamics of relationships and bonds within the group. Statistically, the dynamics of relationships were analysed through Shewhart's control charts. The assessment of control centre support was analysed through Friedman's ANOVA for repeated measures. Free qualitative responses were analysed through frequency content analysis. The structure of relationships and associations was analysed by the Mann-Whitney test.Results. Increased levels of communication and cooperation were detected during the first days of isolation, which may have been related to the group's adjustment to coexistence and cooperation. In contrast, a decrease in the scales occurred after the middle of the isolation (possible occurrence of the third quarter phenomenon) and at the end of the 17-day isolation. The decline after the middle of the isolation could, according to the key experiences reported the previous day, be related to the awareness of bridging the mid-term of the experiment, challenging work tasks and unfavourable external circumstances. The decline at the end of the isolation could have been related to fatigue from previous sleep deprivation, the depletion of crew members' resources, the nature of the activities performed in the final stage of the mission, and awareness of the ensuing post-isolation period. According to the analysis, the crew did not divide into subgroups based on gender. The level of support from the control centre was stable and high throughout the isolation.Limitations. Efforts to capture the situation in the group in a comprehensive manner, together with the absence of the research team during data collection and the inability to discuss the findings with the crew, do not allow for clear interpretations of the context of the phenomena observed.