Coping with coronavirus lockdowns: What astronauts can teach us

Confined and isolated astronauts – and their supporting programmes – have answers and an online tool you can use now. In a virtual Asteroid Day event held recently, Romanian cosmonaut Dumitru Prunariu illustrated to his fellow spacefarers the challenge billions of people across the globe now face: the psychological risks of long-duration isolation, in a confined space, away from friends, colleagues, and even family, in a dangerous environment. Losing and taking back control Bear in mind that cosmonauts and astronauts – the men and women with “the right stuff” – choose to spend long periods of time in space, away from family and friends and confined within the International Space Station. Sandal, who is now working with Russia’s space agency Roscosmos to study cosmonauts, said, “One difference between our subjects and people during this coronavirus crisis is that the former group is highly motivated and prepared for how to deal with different challenges.” British astronaut Tim Peake, who has spent a total of 185 days in space over three missions, also took part in the Asteroid Day discussion. It’s really important that people become good at managing conflicts.” Buckey said that the programme’s conflict resolution module was originally designed for use by astronauts, but that the strategies offered can be used here on Earth.