City of JoyThe case for happiness in the international lunar city

Charles Stevenson, James Muncy, Dr Michael Waltemathe, Lauren Haller, Mei Araki, Xiao Wei Yeap

Research QuestionWhat are the requirements for the pursuit of happiness in a situation comparable to living on the moon?

ImportanceJoy is necessary for the lunar city to succeed and thrive

★Will reduce turnover and maximize institutional knowledge

★Will sustain morale and harmony

★Will promote a healthier environment

★Will foster increased economic, scientific, and cultural productivity

Astronauts’ Feelings About Aspects of Life on ISS

Obstacles★Unreasonable expectations

★Cost

★Accessibility

★Communication

★Open areas and leisure space

★Maintaining motivation & create passions

★Lack of privacy

★Sexuality & Intimacy

★Sleep

★Physical pain and discomfort

★Artificial environment

Unreasonable ExpectationsWould need a way to simulate experience of living on moon for extended periods of time.

★MARS500 - 6 astronauts spent first 3.5 months and then 17 months in an isolation chamber, to simulate the journey to Mars

○ No full privacy, but group dynamic remained the same throughout the mission

★Availability of NEEMO, McMurdo Station, Biosphere 2 for public

★Virtual Reality Simulation (and beyond) of the Moon

Artificial EnvironmentProductivity

★Need natural light, perfect temperature, relative quiet○ Lensed-indirect lighting simulates natural light

○ Studies show optimal temperature is 25℃

Nature

★Wilderness gives 30 different types of rewards, there is difficulty recreating these emotions in non-natural settings

★Growing plants provides multiple forms of stimulation, as well as giving the astronauts a sense of meaningful work

★Green space has lasting effects on people’s happiness

What are the next steps???★ Raise awareness

★ Ongoing research into the effects of long-term space travel

★ Investigate feasibility of long-term space living

Questions?

What’s joy got to do with it?

The answer to all questions about the lunar city

The End