Space psychology is a fascinating field that brings psychological principles into the world of human space exploration. Experts in this area focus on astronauts’ mental health and help design spacecraft and mission routines that keep psychological wellbeing in mind, especially on those long, demanding flights.
This field covers a lot of ground. Space psychologists blend industrial and organizational psychology for picking and prepping crews, and they use human factors engineering to make spacecraft interfaces less stressful.
Mental health professionals here dive into several core areas. They run psychological evaluations to find astronauts who can handle isolation and confinement up there. Training gives crews tools to handle the stress of launch, long stretches away from Earth, and those high-pressure emergencies.
Space psychology doesn’t stop at individual care. Psychologists look closely at team dynamics and group behavior. They study how small crews get along in tight quarters for months, and they come up with ways to prevent conflicts and keep the team together—especially when Earth is just a distant memory.
Environmental psychology plays a big role too. Professionals analyze how spacecraft design impacts mental health, from the lighting that keeps circadian rhythms in check to interior layouts that make people feel a bit more at home. Their work shapes how engineers design new spacecraft and habitats.
A few key ideas really shape space psychology. The term Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environments sums up the unique psychological stress astronauts face.
Sensory deprivation is a big hurdle. The sameness of spacecraft interiors can mess with your head, even causing hallucinations. To fight this, mental health teams use virtual reality and sensory stimulation.
Circadian rhythm disruption is another issue. Astronauts see multiple sunrises and sunsets each day while orbiting Earth. Psychologists and mission planners set up artificial day-night cycles to help people sleep and avoid mood swings.
As missions go farther, the idea of psychological distance from Earth becomes more important. It’s not quite like being stuck in Antarctica—being millions of miles from home brings a different kind of mental strain.
Space psychology also digs into crew autonomy versus relying on ground control. When communication lags stretch out on deep space missions, crews need to become more self-reliant and independent.
American space psychology really got started after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957. The U.S. had to catch up, so NASA created psychological screening for the Mercury Seven astronauts, picking test pilots who could handle the mental demands of space.
The Apollo program pushed things further. Psychologists researched how crews interacted during the three-day trip to the Moon and set up ways to help them manage stress during key mission moments.
After the Space Shuttle era, U.S. space psychology shifted focus to long-duration missions on the International Space Station. Research with American astronauts spending six months in orbit gave new insights into adapting psychologically to life in space.
Today, with NASA’s Artemis program and commercial outfits like SpaceX, the field’s expanding fast. Space psychologists now support civilians as well as pros—so the need for psychological care is only growing.
Research centers at NASA Johnson Space Center and universities across the U.S. keep working on new approaches for Mars missions and space tourism. The field’s always evolving, and honestly, it has to.
Space psychologists act as the mental health backbone for human spaceflight. They set up psychological support systems and work side-by-side with astronauts to tackle the mental challenges of space.
These psychologists lead astronaut selection, evaluating psychological fitness for long missions. They look for stress tolerance, smart decision-making, and emotional stability under pressure.
Before missions, psychologists design personalized mental health plans for each crew member. They help astronauts build coping strategies for isolation and being away from family.
During missions, psychologists keep in touch with astronauts through regular communication. They monitor mental health, stepping in when stress threatens safety or wellbeing.
Key areas they watch:
After missions, psychologists run psychological debriefing sessions and help astronauts adjust to life back on Earth.
They also research new psychological countermeasures for future deep space missions.
Space psychologists build trust with astronauts through confidential counseling before launch. That trust really matters when crew members face tough moments far from home.
During missions, they use private video calls, secure messages, and group therapy. Psychologists check in regularly, balancing mental health monitoring with the crew’s busy schedules.
They coordinate with flight surgeons and mission controllers to handle psychological emergencies. When astronauts face panic, depression, or conflict, psychologists jump in with quick solutions.
They also help astronaut families through counseling and stress management. Healthy families mean healthier astronauts, especially during long separations.
Specialized techniques include virtual reality therapy and guided meditation, all tailored for zero gravity. These tools help astronauts manage anxiety and keep their mental balance.
Space psychologists usually hold doctoral degrees in clinical or research psychology, plus special training in aerospace medicine. Many complete fellowships focused on psychology in extreme environments.
Key qualifications:
Training covers things like sensory deprivation, radiation’s effects on mood, and the psychology of cramped spaces. Psychologists learn to handle hallucinations, sleep issues, and social isolation.
They review historical mission data to create better intervention plans. They look at behavior patterns from the International Space Station and Antarctic research stations.
Ongoing education means workshops on the latest research and therapy tech. Psychologists keep up with virtual reality, digital therapy, and remote assessment tools.
A lot of space psychologists work both on Earth and with space agencies. Having both perspectives helps them understand “normal” psychology and what changes in extreme environments.
Space missions push astronauts to their mental and emotional limits. NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Operations Group focuses on psychological resilience, cognitive skills, and performance enhancement to keep missions on track.
Space agencies have put together solid behavioral health programs for astronauts at every stage—before, during, and after missions. These strategies tackle the unique psychological hurdles of isolation and communication delays.
Pre-flight prep includes psychological screening and stress management training. Astronauts learn ways to cope with being stuck in a small spacecraft. Mental health support for families helps keep those support networks strong.
During missions, astronauts get regular psychological support through private chats with behavioral health specialists. These talks help them process stress and stay emotionally balanced.
Sleep management is a big part of behavioral health. Space messes with circadian rhythms, so astronauts stick to strict sleep routines and use special lighting to keep their body clocks in sync.
Team dynamics training gets crews ready for the challenges of working in close quarters. Astronauts practice resolving conflicts and communicating clearly. These skills really matter on long missions, where even small issues can snowball.
Astronauts need to master some key psychological skills to thrive in space. Cognitive flexibility helps them adapt when things go sideways.
Stress tolerance training gets astronauts ready for high-pressure moments. They learn to keep their heads clear in emergencies, which is crucial for handling complex tasks under stress.
Emotional regulation matters, too. Astronauts practice mindfulness and emotional awareness to manage frustration and homesickness. These tools become even more important on long trips to Mars or the Moon.
Decision-making skills get a lot of attention in training. Space demands quick, accurate choices with limited info. Astronauts practice prioritizing and assessing risks.
Communication training is all about clarity. Crew members learn to share information with ground control and teammates—even when there are frustrating delays.
NASA’s Human Factors and Behavioral Performance team comes up with ways to help astronauts work efficiently and safely. They mix tech solutions with behavioral tweaks.
Workload management systems help astronauts juggle tasks and avoid burnout. Crews use structured schedules, and ground controllers adjust timelines to keep things manageable.
Cognitive performance monitoring keeps tabs on mental sharpness. Astronauts do regular assessments, and planners use the data to tweak schedules and provide support.
Exercise routines are essential—not just for muscles, but for mental health, too. Astronauts follow set workouts with special gear to fight stress and physical decline.
Environmental tweaks—like adjusting noise, lighting, and workspace organization—can make a big difference. Even small changes can boost mood and productivity.
Team coordination protocols help crews work together smoothly during tough operations. They practice synchronized tasks and backup roles, which is vital for spacewalks and emergencies.
Space missions throw mental health curveballs you just don’t see on Earth. Astronauts face total separation from home, long communication delays, and the need to adapt to harsh, alien conditions.
Separation from Earth hits hard, and it’s more than just missing home. Astronauts sometimes experience the “Earth-out-of-view phenomenon,” where not seeing their planet triggers anxiety and a weird sense of disconnection.
Physical confinement adds another layer. Crews share tight quarters for months, with barely any personal space. The International Space Station might be as big as a house, but with several people and nowhere to go for a walk, it can feel a lot smaller.
Sleep disruption is a real headache in space. No natural day-night cycles mean circadian rhythms get thrown off, leading to insomnia and mood swings. Even with artificial lighting, many astronauts struggle to keep a normal sleep routine.
Privacy is basically nonexistent. Crew members can’t really get away—every conversation can be overheard, and there’s no true solitude. That constant visibility can ramp up stress and make it harder to recharge emotionally.
Once missions go beyond low Earth orbit, real-time chats with Earth just aren’t possible. Radio signals to Mars, for example, can take 24 minutes each way. That delay makes normal conversations impossible and puts up a psychological wall.
Emergencies get trickier without instant help from mission control. Astronauts have to make big decisions on their own, which piles on pressure and responsibility.
Staying in touch with family is tough. Astronauts can’t talk live with spouses or kids, so they miss out on important moments. Pre-recorded messages help, but they just can’t replace real-time connection.
The communication lag also slows down work with ground teams. Technical talks that should take minutes can drag on for hours or days, which gets frustrating and makes problem-solving a lot harder.
Microgravity messes with your sense of direction and throws off both your body and mind. Floating all the time can make you feel lost and even cause motion sickness that sometimes drags on for weeks.
This physical discomfort often seeps into your mood and can mess with your ability to think clearly.
Radiation exposure brings a whole new level of stress. Out there, you don’t have Earth’s cozy atmosphere to block cosmic radiation or solar particles. Crew members carry this uneasy awareness that every day, radiation damage quietly builds up.
Temperature swings and dependence on life support systems pile on more stress. Astronauts can’t forget that just a thin wall stands between them and the vacuum of space.
Even a small equipment hiccup—no big deal on Earth—can turn into a life-or-death situation up there.
Space strips away the natural cues we’re used to. No wind, no weather, not even a change in seasons. This lack of sensory variety sometimes leads to depression or mental fog, especially on long missions.
NASA puts astronaut hopefuls through some intense psychological tests to see who’s really cut out for isolation and stress. Training then ramps up mental toughness using real-world scenarios and practical coping techniques.
NASA screens candidates with a set of mental health tests before letting them join the program. The focus stays on finding people who handle tough situations and mesh well with others.
Key evaluation areas include:
Older tests tried to weed out folks with serious mental health issues. These simple screenings didn’t really predict who might freeze up or clash with the crew during real missions.
Now, NASA digs deeper into behavior patterns. Evaluators try to spot people who can keep their cool and make smart choices when things get weird in space.
Candidates who can’t handle stress or have trouble teaming up with others don’t make the cut. The ones who do show emotional steadiness and strong problem-solving skills, even when the pressure’s on.
Astronaut hopefuls go through a ton of mental prep to deal with the psychological pressures of spaceflight. Training puts them in cramped, isolated environments to mimic what they’ll face up there.
Core training components include:
Candidates learn to use mental health tools on their own, since deep space missions mean slow or no contact with psychologists back home.
Training throws them into realistic spacecraft setups. Sometimes, they have to live in spaces barely bigger than a studio apartment for weeks.
Team skills training gets astronauts ready to handle arguments and support each other when things get rough. These abilities really matter when people have to share a small space for years.
Space missions only work if crew members can stay focused and keep relationships positive the whole time.
Space missions bring up some wild psychological challenges that can turn into serious mental health problems. NASA has already mapped out possible psychiatric issues and built up support systems to keep astronauts healthy on long trips.
Nobody’s officially had a psychiatric breakdown in space yet, but symptoms have popped up. Research points to deep space missions as a likely trigger for some real mental health struggles.
Depression seems the most likely to show up on long missions. Being cut off from Earth, stuck in small quarters, and missing family can really drag people down. Astronauts do report mood swings after months away.
Anxiety disorders pop up thanks to constant stress and the ever-present risk. There’s nowhere to run, so worry and fear can stick around. Mission planners expect anxiety to spike on Mars trips that last years.
Sleep disorders hit almost everyone. Weird light cycles and zero gravity mess with sleep, which then messes with mood and thinking. On the ISS, astronauts see 16 sunrises a day, so circadian rhythms take a beating.
Interpersonal conflicts get worse in tight spaces with little privacy. People get irritated and social tension rises, which can threaten the whole mission.
Cognitive decline creeps in from radiation and stress. Astronauts sometimes struggle to focus, remember things, or make decisions. The longer they’re out past Earth’s protective field, the worse it can get.
NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Operations Group steps in before, during, and after missions to keep astronauts mentally fit. They focus on stopping problems before they start.
Pre-flight training builds up mental strength and stress management. Astronauts learn practical ways to handle isolation and emergencies. Training throws real mission stress at them to toughen them up.
Communication systems keep astronauts in touch with family and mental health pros. Scheduled video chats offer support and let people spot early warning signs. Private channels make sure therapy stays confidential.
Environmental design aims to boost mental health. Spacecraft have private nooks, exercise gear, and stuff to do for fun. Good lighting helps with sleep and fights off the blues.
Medication management means astronauts have a limited supply of psychiatric meds. The current stash covers antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and sleep aids. Future trips will need more options and better ways to deliver them.
Real-time monitoring uses computer data and biometrics to watch for changes in behavior. Psychologists on the ground spot problems early and can jump in fast if needed.
Space missions push team dynamics to the edge. Crews deal with isolation, stress, and tight quarters—sometimes these challenges build strong bonds, but they can also spark conflicts that put the mission at risk.
Astronauts living in tiny spacecraft for months form intense relationships, for better or worse. Tight-knit teams help everyone get through emergencies and tough patches. NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance folks keep an eye on how isolation changes group behavior.
Studies show crew cohesion usually follows a pattern. Teams start out enthusiastic and cooperative, but after a few weeks, friction grows over personal habits or how people use space.
Biggest conflict triggers? Things like mismatched sleep schedules, different hygiene routines, and clashing communication styles. Even something like loud chewing can set off a chain reaction.
Space agencies try to pick people who play well with others and handle stress. Pre-flight training includes team-building and conflict resolution.
Command structures get a twist in space, since every astronaut brings unique expertise. The commander stays in charge, but really leans on the team’s technical know-how.
Good space leaders keep calm under pressure and talk clearly. They have to make snap decisions in emergencies and still keep the crew’s trust.
Leadership can shift depending on what’s happening. The pilot runs things during launch and landing, while the mission specialist leads spacewalks or experiments.
Research shows that shared leadership models actually work best on long missions. Spreading out responsibility helps avoid burnout and taps into everyone’s strengths.
Clear communication is non-negotiable when you can’t get away from your teammates or call for outside help. Astronauts practice specific techniques to avoid misunderstandings and keep things civil. They learn how to give feedback without making it personal.
Active listening lets people understand each other and fix problems fast. Teams set up communication protocols for daily tasks and emergencies.
Regular meetings give crews a chance to air concerns before they blow up. They also practice venting frustration in a healthy way and supporting each other when things get rough.
NASA’s behavioral health team watches for communication issues through private check-ins and group talks. They step in if communication starts to threaten mission safety.
Deep space travel brings psychological hurdles way beyond what astronauts face in Low Earth Orbit. Communication with Earth can lag by up to 24 minutes each way, which leaves crews feeling more isolated than ever.
Deep space missions pile on psychological stress that astronauts haven’t seen before. The biggest headache? Communication delays that make real-time help impossible.
During Mars missions, it can take 24 minutes just to get a message one way. Astronauts handle emergencies without quick advice from mission control.
Isolation hits hard as crews travel millions of miles from home. There’s no rescue, no way back for months or years. Earth shrinks to a tiny dot—a pretty sobering sight.
Cramped living spaces make things worse. Crews spend up to nine months packed together on the way to Mars, sharing every inch of space day after day. Privacy? Pretty much gone.
Sleep gets weird too. Artificial lights and odd schedules throw off sleep cycles. Crew members often deal with insomnia or mood changes.
The workload swings a lot. Sometimes, there’s a ton to do; other times, it’s nothing but routine. Boredom can be just as dangerous as being overworked.
NASA’s working on ways to help crews stay mentally healthy during long trips into deep space. The focus is on giving astronauts the tools to handle things themselves, since Earth support is limited.
Pre-recorded family videos give emotional boosts during the journey. Crews get these messages on birthdays or holidays, helping them feel connected to home.
Virtual reality offers a break from the monotony. Astronauts can “visit” forests or favorite places back on Earth, which helps lower stress and lift spirits.
Training puts a big emphasis on conflict resolution and team dynamics. Crews learn to sort out issues without psychologists on call. They practice communication and stress management before they ever leave Earth.
Recreational activities fill the downtime. Regular workouts, creative projects, and learning sessions keep minds sharp and spirits up.
Medical kits carry psychiatric meds for emergencies. Crew members learn how to spot depression or anxiety in each other and when to step in with treatment.
Communication protocols make the most of delayed messages. Crews send updates about their mental state and get thoughtful replies from psychologists, even if it takes a couple days.
NASA runs a lot of psychological research to figure out how space changes human behavior and mental health. The International Space Station is the main lab for real-world studies, while ground-based facilities let researchers create space-like conditions for experiments.
The International Space Station gives scientists a front-row seat to see how astronauts react to real spaceflight. NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance team checks in on crew members with Private Psychological Conferences and computer-based tools.
Researchers focus on how isolation and tight quarters affect behavior during missions that last six months or more. They track sleep, stress, and team dynamics to spot patterns.
Cognitive assessment tools help measure how microgravity messes with thinking and decision-making. The data reveals a lot about how the mind works in space.
Communication delays with Earth add another layer of challenge. Astronauts adapt to limited contact with family and friends, and studies show this can really impact well-being and team performance.
HERA puts crews through deep space simulations right here on Earth at Johnson Space Center. Researchers get to study psychological responses without the huge costs or dangers of actual spaceflight.
Volunteer crews live in the HERA habitat for long stretches of time. The facility mimics important parts of space missions—think isolation, cramped quarters, and those frustrating communication delays with mission control.
Research teams watch how crew members handle stress, work through conflicts, and keep up their performance over time. Team dynamics get a lot of focus since small groups really need to pull together when things get tough.
HERA studies feed NASA essential data for planning Mars missions. The research uncovers psychological risks and points to ways to keep astronauts mentally healthy during long trips.
NASA turns to several Earth-based environments to simulate different angles of space psychology. Underwater labs, polar stations, and desert isolation sites all play their part.
Specialized simulation environments let researchers recreate specific space-like conditions. They study flipped day-night cycles, shifting workloads, and long bouts of social isolation. These controlled settings give scientists a chance to test interventions before missions ever leave the ground.
Researchers look at how individuals and teams react to these extremes. They measure behavior shifts, performance dips or boosts, and overall psychological well-being during these drawn-out simulations.
These analog studies help build evidence-based interventions to support astronauts. The research leads to practical strategies for mission planners aiming to keep crews healthy and performing well in space.
Space psychology really moves forward when big space agencies team up. NASA’s behavioral health programs set the bar, while the European Space Agency digs deep into crew dynamics and performance tweaks.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center leads the way in space psychology, especially through its Behavioral Health and Performance Lab. The center crafts evidence-based interventions for astronauts tackling harsh conditions.
NASA’s operational psychologists work directly with astronauts and their families. They offer support throughout training, during missions, and even after the crew comes home. The team keeps tabs on crew mental health aboard the International Space Station by arranging private conferences and using computer-based assessments.
NASA’s behavioral health experts zero in on a few main areas:
The agency tests its interventions in Earth-based analogs that mimic space. These places recreate altered sleep cycles, social isolation, and tight living quarters—just like in real missions.
NASA also works with international partners to share findings and develop new psychological support tech for future Mars trips.
The European Space Agency puts a lot of effort into crew psychology and team performance research. Their programs dig into how multinational crews manage to work well together on long missions.
ESA psychologists study cultural differences in stress and communication among international crew members. This work helps design training that respects all sorts of backgrounds and work styles on the ISS.
Their research highlights small team dynamics in isolated settings. ESA scientists look at how crew members from different countries keep collaborating with ground teams across different time zones and languages.
European researchers also explore the psychological impact of seeing Earth from space. They want to know how that view affects astronaut mood and performance on long missions.
ESA shares their data with NASA and other agencies, building up solid psychological support protocols for deep space exploration.
US space psychology faces some big shifts as missions head further out. Researchers need to tackle unknown mental health challenges in deep space environments and push tech solutions for astronaut wellbeing on Moon and Mars missions.
Deep space brings a bunch of psychological unknowns for American missions. NASA researchers have flagged some big questions as the Artemis program gears up for lunar and Mars journeys.
Right now, most space psychology research leans on International Space Station data. But astronauts on the ISS can always talk to Earth or come home in a pinch. Deep space missions will take away those safety nets.
Critical unknowns include:
The Ganzfeld effect is one worry. When the brain gets too little sensory input, it can start making up hallucinations or altered states. Space habitats just don’t have the variety of sights and sounds we get on Earth.
NASA’s behavioral health team is building new assessment tools for deep space. These need to spot psychological changes that current ISS tools might miss during long missions outside Earth’s protective bubble.
Extended Reality (XR) tech is changing the way NASA supports astronaut mental health. Virtual reality, AR, and mixed reality bring new options for keeping spirits up during really long trips.
NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Lab is testing immersive tech that lets astronauts walk through forests or visit family homes—virtually, of course—even while stuck inside a spacecraft.
Key tech developments include:
Circadian rhythm regulation is another tech challenge. The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, so astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets a day. That messes with sleep, and most astronauts lose about 2 hours of sleep each night.
New lighting systems use specific frequencies to help crews keep normal sleep cycles in deep space. These pair with new meds to manage sleep issues—no need for Earth-based doctors.
NASA researchers are even poking into quantum effects in biology. Early work hints that certain frequencies might affect mood and body states, opening up some wild new ways to keep astronauts well during really long missions.
Space psychology digs into the mental health challenges astronauts face, from isolation to how crews get picked. Here are some questions about how support systems work and what research says about adapting to life in space.
Long missions in space pile on unique stressors that really impact mental health. Astronauts deal with isolation from Earth, tight living quarters, and the constant risk that comes with space—all of which keep stress levels high.
Astronauts’ sleep patterns get disrupted because the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes. That means two hours less sleep a night, and many need medication just to rest.
Sensory deprivation is a big issue on long missions. Spacecraft are mechanical and sterile, missing all the sensory variety of Earth. When the brain doesn’t get enough input, it can start producing hallucinations just to fill the gap.
Delayed communication with Earth adds to the strain during deep space missions. Real conversations with family or support teams just aren’t possible, leaving astronauts feeling disconnected and emotionally isolated.
NASA offers solid psychological support, including regular video chats with support psychologists. These sessions give astronauts a safe space to talk about issues and get professional advice throughout their missions.
Astronauts also get pre-recorded messages from family, which helps keep emotional connections alive during long stays. Personalized videos and audio recordings bring comfort and help maintain bonds back home.
Exercise equipment isn’t just for fitness—it’s a stress reliever, too. Working out helps astronauts manage anxiety and stay mentally stable in the cramped quarters.
Personal time and recreation matter. Crew members read, listen to music, or dive into hobbies during downtime, which helps with stress and keeps their minds sharp.
Psychological evaluation plays a huge part in picking astronauts. Candidates go through mental health checks, personality tests, and stress response drills to find those best suited for space.
Training programs put candidates through isolation and confinement simulations. These analogs test how people handle cramped spaces, little privacy, and long stretches without outside support.
Team dynamics get a close look, too. Committees check for leadership, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity—key for international crews.
Stress inoculation training gets astronauts ready for emergencies and equipment failures. This kind of prep builds confidence and helps prevent panic when real problems hit.
Analog studies show that crew performance drops after the early mission excitement fades. Motivation and teamwork tend to dip as stress and routine set in over months.
Sleep quality takes a hit in tight quarters, even with controlled lighting. Anxiety and irritability go up when sleep problems stick around during months-long analog missions.
Social conflicts almost always pop up during long periods of confinement. Personality clashes and communication issues usually show up around the halfway mark.
The best coping strategies seem to be structured personal time and varied recreational activities. Successful participants keep journals and get creative to handle stress.
International crews face communication hurdles that go beyond just language. Different cultures bring different ideas about hierarchy, decision-making, and conflict—sometimes sparking misunderstandings when things get tense.
Work styles vary, too. Some cultures push for individual achievement, others value group harmony, and that can create tension in mixed crews.
Religious and dietary needs also come into play. Mission planners need to respect spiritual practices and food preferences to keep morale and comfort up.
Training now includes cultural competency lessons to get astronauts ready for international crews. These programs teach respect for different perspectives and communication styles.
Virtual reality tech is really starting to make a difference for astronauts dealing with isolation and homesickness. With VR, they can walk around familiar places on Earth, check in on family spots, or just unwind with immersive recreational activities.
Communication systems have gotten a lot better, too. These days, astronauts use enhanced video calls and faster data links to stay in touch with support teams back home.
Personalized lighting in spacecraft is another big step forward. Adaptive lights can copy Earth’s day-night cycle, helping astronauts sleep better and stay sharp.
Artificial intelligence now helps monitor crew members’ moods and stress levels. AI listens for changes in voice or behavior, then lets ground teams know if someone might need extra support.
