Answer: 1 Team Processes

The crew of astronauts travelling to Mars are performing as a team, where taskwork and
teamwork process, communication, team states are significant processes. Findings from
teams in Mars simulation show that participants who have problem solving techniques,
adaptability, and team orientation enables them to work effectively in a group (Bishop e al.,
2006; Kanas et al., 2009; Vanhove, Herian, Harms, & Luthans, 2015). If the team desires to
become more than the sum of its parts, it’s necessary that process gain is attained in the team
processes and the team processes are effective.
1. Taskwork process
Since the crew is being sent on a space mission, hence activities that are linked directly
with task accomplishment are relevant here. The astronauts are engaged in knowledge
work and for that they interact with technologies provided by NASA. Hence, taskwork
process is important.
 Creative behavior
Creativity is demanded from the astronauts especially in the task of growing food in
space. The crew needs to brainstorm ideas for that.
 Decision making
The crew members have to share important piece of information among each other and
work together to take informed decisions.
2. Teamwork process
The astronauts have to work and live together for a time period of almost 30 months in a
small, closed capsule. In such a demanding work environment, there are chances of
buildup of frustration and annoyance among them.
 Action Processes
Action processes are relevant here as the mission is in the process of being
accomplished. In this mission of astronauts, they are required to monitor their
progress towards accomplishment of goals. They must also exhibit helping
behavior and coordination to perform efficiently.
 Interpersonal Processes
The most important processes include:
 Motivating
 Conflict management
 Relationship conflict
 Task conflicts
Since the crew of 6-8 astronauts have no escape from the situation so its n
necessary to have manage conflicts and openly discuss concerns.
 3. Communication
It is highly important here because the members have to communicate among
themselves and the NASA Headquarters. Communication channels, information
richness and network are relevant here.
4. Team states
Its important because the working conditions will lead to feelings of frustration
and annoyance in the astronauts.
Transition processes seem irrelevant in this situation as they are required in pre-task period. It
is useful in the preparatory phase, but not in the execution. The crew of astronauts are
currently in the execution phase of their mission.
Answer: 2
Additional information should be collected by the psychologist in order to understand the
interaction of crew and their effectiveness. Some of it can be:
1. Communication competence
Psychologist must collect information regarding communication competence
among the members. The crew has to communicate with NASA headquarters
and among themselves hence the crew members must have skills to
communicate effectively.
2. Emotions, and emotional intelligence
Psychologist must collect information about the emotions that cloud the
interpretation of messages sent by other crew members.
3. Team states
The psychologist must study what type of emotions and thoughts come across
the crew members as a result of working together i.e., Cohesion, Psychological
support etc.
4. Potency
Psychologist must analyze the potency of group in order to assess their ability to
perform in variety of situations.
5. Mental models
Psychologist must assess the mental models to know the level of common
understanding that the crew has which facilitates in conflict management. If crew
members are on the same page there is less chance of misunderstandings and
conflicts. It is developed through a common training.
6. Transactive memory
Some members might have more specialized knowledge who are then
responsible to share this knowledge with other members. It is built during training
by introducing the crew to various responsibilities and learning opportunities.

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Answer: 3 Team training
Team training intervention improves the team processes, which directly impact the
performance and commitment of team. Astronauts usually undergo an intensive training
program which covers various aspects.
1. Transportable teamwork competences
The crew of astronauts must be trained on transportable teamwork competences. There
should be survival training, teaching them survival techniques and practices. Since a major
part of their performance depends on communication with the NASA Headquarters, they
should be taught about collaborative communication. Other than that, team building, conflict
management, effective communication and stress management training is important. The crew
must also be trained on dealing with crew safety, emergency situations and technical issues.
2. SMART-OP
Stress management and resilience training for optimal performance is required to train crew
members for survival in this isolated and stressful environment. The findings of SMART-OP
study shows that the participants rated problem solving and effective communication as useful
(Rose et al., 2017
3. Cross-Training
Cross-training the crew members would help in developing shared mental models and trains
all members in each other’s tasks. Providing this hands-on experience allows other team
members to perform the task if they had to.
4. Team process training
Team process training trains crew members on how to perform as an intact unit and improves
team experience. It improves team cohesion.
5. Team building and Teamwork
Team building improves teamwork processes by improving interpersonal relations, role
clarification etc.
6. Leadership and Communication
Astronauts should be trained on effective communication, leadership, team care and group
living skills.
7. Conflict management training
If astronauts are trained on conflict management, tolerance and also on how to deal with
constructive conflicts which improve teamwork processes.

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References
1. Bishop, S. L., Dawson, S., Rawat, N., Reynolds, K., Eggins, R., & Bunzelek, K. (2006).
Assessing teams in Mars simulation habitats. In J. D. Clarke (Ed.), American
Astronautical Society science and technol- ogy series (pp. 177–196). San Diego, CA:
Univelt.
2. Rose, R. D., Zbozinek, T., Smith, S., Leveton, L., Schneiderman, J., Arias, D., . . .
Craske, M. (2017, January). Autonomous multimedia stress management and resilience
training for flight controllers. Presented at the NASA Human Research Program
Investigators’ Workshop, Galves- ton, TX.