Getting Under Your Skin (and into your Brain): The Problematic Effects of Galactic Cosmic Radiation on Collaboration and Cognition for Long Distance Space Missions

Abstract

Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) poses significant risks to astronauts during long-distance space missions. Although much progress is being made in other areas of science and engineering for the future of spaceflight, our understanding of the implications of GCR remains limited. The potential for negative consequences arises, not only with physical health, but also with behavioral and cognitive health. In this paper we briefly review the research linking GCR exposure to problems in cognition. We then provide notional research questions to better assess this impact as it relates to team cognition. Our goal is to highlight the importance of this topic and help develop research questions for understanding the cognitive and collaboration challenges posed by GCR in long distance missions.