Antarctica to Mars, and back: A medical and psychological perspective on analogue environments

Abstract

Conditions encountered in Antarctica can be analogous to many experienced and expected in space. The reverse is also true; astronauts have much to teach Antarctic expeditioners. Nowhere is this more apparent than from the medical and psychological perspectives. Throughout all stages of an expedition –the elements of isolation, remoteness, the dependence on technology and fellow researchers for survival, combine to create challenges in both everyday operations and clinical care. There is a strong isomorphism between the two environments. Because of this, there is a well-recognized and strong potential for positive collaboration between Antarctic and space programs; a potential that can be realized on a range of levels depending on common goals, resources, time and commitment. For psychology and medicine, there are subtle but important features that distinguish these two extreme environments, which are rarely discussed when addressing the Antarctic/space correspondence. Both similarities and differences need to be taken into account when assessing the findings from both fields of study. This presentation will address some of these similarities and differences, including at least one example of a hypothetical Antarctic analogue study, showing how these environmental hallmarks can inform the practice of medicine and psychology in extreme and unusual environments.