Sociomapping qualitative analysis of the structure and dynamics of relationships in the crews of SIRIUS-19 and SIRIUS-21 during a simulated space mission to the Moon through the lens of comparison

Abstract

Introduction

The contribution is based on the author's own MODEL OF SOCIAL RESEARCH in EXPOSED PROFESSIONS based on a set of diagnostic, analytical methods, and mathematical modelling in the measurement of human attitudes. Its subject is a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of humans and small social groups in specific conditions of long-term isolation, from a bio-psycho-social point of view. The contribution will present the outputs of the international research project “SIRIUS 2017–2023″, from the 4-month and 8-month isolation experiment organized by the IBMP RAS and NASA.

Methods

SOCIOMAPPING is a technique suitable for the analysis of non-linear dynamic systems - groups, organizations, population. The method of the Czech author Radvan Bahbouh makes it possible to analyse the relationships and ties between system elements to reveal stable and recurring structural patterns and to monitor their dynamics. As part of the 2nd and 3rd stages of the “SIRIUS” project, the method was deployed in 3 stages during both experiments. QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS of the data provided detailed insight into the structure and dynamics of relationships and ties in both crews in 35 areas.

Results

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS shows highly favourable findings in the structure and dynamics of relationships in both crews during isolation. In the field of PROFESSIONALISM, the crew of SIRIUS-19 maintains a continuously high rating, higher at the end of the mission than at the beginning. A slightly opposite tendency was found for the SIRIUS-21 crew, the “definitely yes” rating shifts to “rather yes” or “can't judge” after 8 months of the mission. A similar pattern was found in the field of WORKING and PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP where the background of the individual participants in the experiment may have contributed to the results.

It is confirmed once again that the highly positive mutual evaluation of crew members has a fundamental influence on work performance, social atmosphere, decision-making, the occurrence of misunderstandings, task performance, workload management, quality of communication, cooperation, and in real space missions, also an influence on the issue of survival of crews.