Behavioral analysis of a Chinese crew's daily activity over the 180-day Controlled Environmental and life support system (CELSS) experiment

Abstract During long duration space missions for human exploration, the isolated and confined environment, life-support conditions along with extended time periods will have an impact on socio-psycho-physiological states. The goal is that the adaption process is achieved after 6-month duration and beyond as it is expected for interplanetary trips to Mars. Ground experiments on Controlled Environmental and Life Support Systems (CELSS) are relevant paradigms in the field. A 180-day duration offers a temporal dynamics to emphasize. Our study addresses the hypothesis that multifactorial components of behavioral strategies help to optimize the relationship between the individual and the environment. Methodological tools used in ethology were applied to the 180-day CELSS experiment on 4 crewmembers (1 female, 3 males) from video recordings during lunchtime, once a month. The results showed variability of behaviors in time using (activity duration, time together), stability of behavior in space using (spatial position, crew cooperation) and increasing social interacting (fresh food sharing). The emphasis on global behaving is related to positive vs. negative emotions (facial expressions, collateral manifestations) and indicates well-being states but stressful conditions. Mid-period, in month 3 is a specific temporal point. Crew communications inside the habitat decreased from month 1 to month 6. We discuss the observational data based on stereotypies, proxemics, diversity, monotony and autonomy of the crew.