Comparing Crew Operations in Extreme Environments: Arctic Shipping vs. Outer Space

Abstract

Working in extreme environments presents serious challenges to crewmembers. This paper compares and contrasts various aspects of the working environments of outer space and cold climate (i.e., Arctic) shipping, looking at similarities and differences between the two, as well as lessons that might be transferable from one to the other. These transferable lessons might be found in the arenas of tools, equipment, protective gear, crew health, safety, habitability, ergonomics, operations, or some combination of the above. The two industries both stand to benefit from a deliberate comparison of challenges, technologies and lessons learned.