Holographic teleportation in space and astronauts’ stress: A Delphi study
Abstract
Astronauts have experienced side effects during long-term isolation. For example, they used to stay on Station for about six months in space; trips to the Moon will take longer, increasing psychological issues impacting crew performance and morale during long-term missions. In addition, longer missions to the Moon or Mars may increase those side effects. Also, a delay in communication from Mars or the Moon may be another factor that may increase the side-effects. Among the side-effects is the lack of performance, resulting in a loss of efficiency and a waste of crew utilization time. The use of holographic teleportation may reduce those side effects. The goal is to use this technology for family conferences, creating the illusion that a family member is with the crew member, which may boost the morale of the crew member. Also, it will be possible to holographically teleport the crew member back to Earth to his dining room so that the crew members can enjoy dinner with their families. Leaders in the aerospace industry have developed different strategies that might help solve some of the issues astronauts face. One of those strategies is holographic teleportation to alleviate the long-term effects of isolation. The following study examines the pros and cons of holographic teleportation as a tool to relieve some of the side effects of long-term isolation. The selected method for this research is a Delphi technique with a sample of space industry experts with holographic teleportation experience. The theoretical framework is how prolonged isolation leads to a broad array of behavioral changes and how holographic teleportation associates with ceasing those conditions. The answers information helped develop descriptive codes and categories, which led to developing themes. The findings of this Delphi Study concluded with positives and negatives. The positives are how this technology could improve the psychological aspect of the Crew Member, can provide a more intimate experience compared with a videoconference, and can be used for medical treatment. The negative is that the technology needs to increase the resolution.