Crewmember communication in space: a survey of astronauts and cosmonauts

A total of 54 astronauts and cosmonauts returned questionnaires which addressed various aspects of crewmember communication in space. All respondents believed that crewmembers should be fluent in one shared common language, but American and Soviet space travelers were less tolerant of dialect differences than their international counterparts. Sensory activities (Watching and Listening) were rated as significantly increasing in space, whereas more complex communicative activities (Reading, Gesturing, and Writing) were judged to significantly decrease. Cosmonauts scored higher than astronauts in all verbal and nonverbal activities, possibly reflecting more responsiveness to the space environment. Several factors were rated as significantly helping intracrew communication: Shared Experience, Excitement of Space Flight, Close Quarters, and Isolation from Earth. Other factors were judged to significantly hinder communication: Facial Swelling, Spacecraft Ambient Noise, and Space Sickness. These findings have important operational and scientific implications involving future manned space missions.