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The mental health of NASA astronauts are always a critical focus during deep space missions. While engineers can quantify many aspects of space travel, the psychological well-being of astronauts remains a complex challenge that defies simple calculations. This issue, historically underexplored, is now gaining attention as missions extend beyond low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The psychological challenges faced by astronauts have evolved over time. Early spacefarers dealt with the stresses of mission failures and the fear of the unknown. However, the establishment of space stations, where astronauts spend months away from home, has highlighted the need for sustained psychological support. In 1994, as the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) began, NASA formed a dedicated psychological unit to address these concerns, according to ScienceNews.

Now, with the Artemis program aiming to send astronauts to the moon and eventually Mars, the psychological strain is expected to intensify. A three-year round trip to Mars will present unparalleled challenges, particularly the extended separation from loved ones.

The documentary "Space: The Longest Goodbye," directed by Ido Mizrahy, delves into this topic. The movie is premiering in theaters and on various streaming platforms on March 8. It explores the mental preparation of astronauts like Kayla Barron and Cady Coleman, highlighting the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of long-duration missions.

One of the film's most poignant stories is that of Cady Coleman, who spent over 100 days aboard the ISS in 2010, leaving her young son behind. The documentary captures the emotional struggles of maintaining family connections through intermittent video calls, underscoring the profound homesickness experienced by astronauts. Additionally, the constant surveillance and psychological evaluations aboard the ISS add another layer of stress, as astronauts must carefully manage their emotions to avoid being deemed unfit for duty.

Complementing these personal narratives, the film examines various strategies developed in collaboration with NASA's psychological unit to prepare for long-term space travel. These include the creation of social robots to combat loneliness and desert simulations to study interpersonal conflicts in isolated environments. These efforts reflect the extensive and multifaceted approaches being tested to support the mental health of Artemis astronauts.

In conjunction with these narrative explorations, scientific studies have provided deeper insights into the mental health challenges of spaceflight. A study published in November 2023 titled "Long-term spaceflight composite stress induces depression and cognitive impairment in astronauts-insights from neuroplasticity," showed the composite stressors astronauts face. These include microgravity, isolation, confinement, noise, and circadian rhythm disturbances, all of which can adversely affect both physical and mental health.

The study's authors noted that prolonged exposure to these stressors can lead to depression and cognitive impairment, potentially through the dysregulation of neuroplasticity in the brain. They emphasized the need for comprehensive research into these effects and the development of effective mitigation strategies.

"The integration of these factors will contribute to the development of composite stress, resulting not only in physical and mental harm to astronauts but also potentially leading to cognitive impairment and depression," the study concluded.

To address these challenges, the study reviewed current countermeasures and called for broader research into the neurobiological impacts of spaceflight. Understanding and mitigating these mental health risks is essential for the safety and success of future deep space missions, including those to Mars.