Next ISS Crew Incompatible

RobertB-DC writes "The International Space Station's replacement crew is being pulled for the B-Team. While the Reuters story quotes officials talking about "certain considerations", a Moscow Times article lays it on the line: '"Incompatible" ISS Crew Ditched' due to 'a psychological incompatibility.' The Russian-American team had already been shaken up once, when the original American member dropped out due to illness. Now, they're being replaced with a whole new pair."

Comments

Incompatibility in space

[hcg50a]

From the article:

"It's not that the crew was unprofessional or ill, but on certain considerations it was not ready," the spokesman said.

"The crew members should understand each other's words and opinions...they should get on like good friends."

Well, it just shows how difficult any Mars trip is going to be, with the astronauts having to be in close quarters for 2-3 years, rather than simply 6 months.

Also, if incompatibilities develop during the flight, they will obviously have to be dealt with, rather than just getting a replacement.

A Perspective

[da' WINS pimp]

Having just spent 15 days in a tin can with what were on day one six complete strangers. I think I can offer an interesting insight.

Interpersonal dynamics are a very important part of any endeavor - especially in space where your life can literally depend on your crewmate/crewmates. In our instance we had six people. Four of which became fast friends, and one who the other four will probably never speak with again. It is a good thing in this instance that the crew coordinators of the ISS realized this was a problem and stepped in.

In our case we had one person running around breaking stuff and four people scrambling to fix it while simultaneously trying to get our own projects off the ground. Had we actually been on Mars, someone could have taken the long walk in 100th of an atmosphere. As it turned out we just ignored him until we were done and everything worked out. It's a good thing that in space no one can hear you scream. Had it been just the two of us nothing would have gotten done and someone may have died even on Earth.

For those actually interested in this kind of thing, I suggest getting involved with the Mars Society. We do privately funded research into what it will take to live and work on Mars. It will really open your eyes.