Describe five factors that must be considered in designing a space station in order to accommodate human needs, reduce stress, and help the crews work more effectively

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER: Answer will include the following: (1) Researchers have learned that astronauts prefer rooms with clearly defined "up" and "down," even in the weightlessness of space. This can be done by color-coding walls, floors, and ceiling, and by orienting furniture and controls so they all face the "ceiling." (2) Ideally, there should be some flexibility in the use of living and work areas inside a space station. Behavior patterns change over time and being able to control one's environment helps lower stress. At the same time, people need stability. Making sure the crew eats at least one meal together each day can help keep crew members working as a social unit. (3) Sleep cycles must be carefully controlled in space to avoid disrupting body rhythms. It is also hard for astronauts to sleep while other crew members continue to work and talk and by the constant noise on a space station. Researchers are experimenting with various earmuffs, eyeshades, and sleeping arrangements to alleviate such difficulties. (4) Privacy is another concern with privacy being based mainly on temporarily blocking out visual and auditory contact with others. Forced togetherness is stressful. Thus, control over the amount of group contact is more important than actually having a private room. Designers also recognize the need to define private territories, such as identifying small areas as "owned" by each individual. (5) Sensory monotony can be a problem in space. Researchers are developing stimulus environments that will use music, movies, and other diversions to combat monotony and boredom. Where music is concerned, individual earphones may be all that is required to avoid problems regarding differences in likes and dislikes. Live animals and plants in space habitats could also reduce stress and boredom.