Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were originally scheduled for an eight-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after arriving on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. However, issues with the spacecraft’s helium leaks and thruster problems have led to uncertainty regarding their return.
The malfunction on the Starliner spacecraft has caused NASA and Boeing to reevaluate the safety of the vehicle. A decision is expected soon on whether it will be cleared to return the astronauts to Earth. If not, Wilmore and Williams could face an additional six-month stay on the ISS.
Psychologists note that waiting, especially under stressful circumstances, can distort a person's perception of time. Astronauts could experience time slowing down as they focus more on the passage of time due to the uncertainty surrounding their return to Earth.
Research indicates that anticipation and uncertainty during a wait can make time feel longer. The mental strain of waiting in extreme conditions, such as space, may amplify this effect, creating a sense of prolonged delay for the astronauts.
Scientists in Antarctica often spend extended periods in isolation and confinement, similar to astronauts in space. Research shows that time passes more quickly for Antarctic teams when they are busy with mentally engaging tasks, which may also apply to the astronauts' daily work on the ISS.
In everyday life, waiting can cause boredom and frustration, slowing the perception of time. The absence of regular social interactions and fewer activities may contribute to making time feel extended, a concern for astronauts if their stay is prolonged.
Just as Antarctic researchers reported time passing more quickly when engaged in scientific work, astronauts on the ISS could experience a similar effect. The mentally demanding tasks aboard the station might help mitigate the feeling of time dragging during their extended stay.
The biggest challenge for Wilmore and Williams may be handling the uncertainty of when they will return. Psychologists emphasize that clear communication about delays and timeframes can improve the astronauts' ability to cope with waiting, reducing the negative impact on their well-being.