Anima, Cogitatio, Amor et Spes Inter Astra --

“Soul, Thought, Love and Hope Among the Stars”

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The Psyche Mission Series is designed to address the key area of psychosocial health factors related to sexuality in space environments. In ancient Greek mythology, Psyche was the goddess of the soul, who began life as a mortal human princess but later became immortal.  Psyche was said to be of such remarkable beauty that people began to worship her in lieu of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Angered by this, Aphrodite ordered her son Eros, the male god of love and lust, to use his powers to make Psyche fall in love with someone vile that would cause her suffering. Upon seeing Psyche, Eros fell fast in love with her, eventually marrying her after she endured trials set by Aphrodite, and was granted immortality by Zeus. In art and literature, Psyche is depicted as a breathtaking maiden with butterfly wings.

Using lessons learned from ASRI’s Hera analog series, the Psyche missions will consist of experiments designed to determine impacts to spaceflight crew dynamics that may arise from significant psychosocial factors such as romantic rivalries and/or jealousy, loneliness, sexual frustration, and other notable concerns. Any and all risks associated with sexual mental health and interpersonal relationships among short and long-term crews will be assessed in order to develop appropriate countermeasures, safeguards and protocols.

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