Guest: Dr. Mindy Howard. Topics: Addressing the mental and emotional challenges that may be experienced during commercial space flight. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. We welcomed Dr. Mindy Howard to the program for our 1 hour 30 minute discussion about the psychological issues and training for commercial astronauts. During our first segment, Dr. Howard introduced us to many of the issues that will be faced by commercial astronauts, including psychological aspects. Our guest described her business, Inner Space Training (see http://innerspacetraining.com) and the benefits that her training offers commercial astronauts, especially if the training is engaged a few months in advance of the actual spaceflight. Dr. Howard was asked if in her research she noticed differences among potential commercial astronauts based on age, gender, physical fitness, or other metrics. In addition, our guest explained brain wave theory and the use of the MindSpa device for the training. Dr. Howard was asked about training in Holland and Europe as well as here in the States, plus individual and/or group training. As for her Inner Space Training program, it lasts one day but "homework" follows for several weeks to a month or two in advance of the actual flight, especially using the MindSpa tool which you use and learn in the formal part of the one day training program. In our second segment, we talked about commercial astronaut peaks, performance, and flow. We also addressed more issues regarding training for a long duration flight such as Inspiration Mars. Dr. Howard did go into some detail about peak experiences, especially when I suggested that the entire flight to Mars might be a peak experience. However, when properly defined, the entire Martian trip would not be a peak experience though it would likely be very exciting. I also asked her how she might modify her training to include the longer Mars flight. Toward the end of the program, we talked about the business need for the space tourism programs to make this type of training mandatory to help assure all participants/customers have a successful flight experience. Dr. Howard provided a few examples in support of my suggestion that this type of training be required & included by the space companies. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can also email Dr. Howard at mindyhoward@innerspacetraining.com.
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