The Earth-Disconnect Phenomenon as a Psychological Stressor for Martian Crewmembers

INTRODUCTION: From Mars, the Earth will appear as an insignificant dot in the heavens and two-way communication with family and mission control can take up to 44 min. The resulting impact of these restrictions on crewmembers may be termed the Earth-disconnect phenomenon. The literature suggests that seeing the Earth as a beautiful orb in space is an awe-inspiring experience (the Overview Effect), the loss of which may produce isolation and loneliness. Not being able to communicate with family and mission control in real time may produce emotional distress and impaired performance. Strategies to help crewmembers deal with these issues include using a telescope or virtual reality to better experience the Earth and suggesting future response topics and using more formal messaging techniques to improve communication efficiency. More study needs to be done using simulators, a space station, or the far side of the Moon to better understand this phenomenon.

Kanas N. The Earth-disconnect phenomenon as a psychological stressor for Martian crewmembers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(6):530–532.