NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Behavioral Health 

and Performance

OCHMO-TB-016

Rev B

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1, Rev C

[V1 3001] Selection and Recertification

[V1 3002] Pre-Mission Preventive Health Care 

[V1 3003] In-Mission Preventive Health Care

[V1 3004] In-Mission Medical Care

[V1 3050] Pre-Mission Crew Mortality Plan

[V1 3052] In-Mission Forensic Sample 

Collection

[V1 3055] Surviving Crew Support

[V1 4011] Mission Cognitive Status

[V2 4014] Completion of Critical Tasks

[V1 5002] Crewmember Training 

[V1 5008] Psychological Mission Training

[V1 6001] Circadian Shifting Operations and 

Fatigue Management

[V1 6002] Private Medical Communication 

(PMC) Schedule

[V1 6004] Behavioral Health and Performance 

Provisions 

[V1 6010] Psychological Communication 

Schedule

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

[V2 3006] Human-Centered Task Analysis

[V2 4102] Functional Anthropometric 

Accommodation

[V2 5007] Cognitive Workload 

[V2 10200] Physical Workload

[V2 6022] Atmospheric Monitoring and 

Alerting Parameters

[V2 6013] Crew Performance Environmental 

Zone 

[V2 6017] Atmospheric Control

Executive Summary

Crew behavioral health and performance are 

affected by missions in isolated, confined, and 

extreme (ICE) environments. Future 

exploration missions will involve humans 

moving further away from low Earth orbit 

(LEO) with longer mission durations and will 

have a greater risk for behavioral health and 

performance decrements. These hazards could 

lead to (a) adverse cognitive or behavioral 

conditions affecting crew health and 

performance during the mission; (b) the 

development of psychiatric disorders if adverse 

behavioral health conditions are undetected or 

inadequately mitigated; and c) long-term 

health consequences, including late-emerging 

cognitive and behavioral changes. Ensuring 

crew behavioral health over the long term is 

essential. Behavioral health standards optimize 

crewmembers' health, well-being, and 

productivity and reduce the risk of behavioral 

and psychiatric conditions before, during, and 

after missions. 
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Executive Summary (continued)

2 10/24/2023

Rev B

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

[V2 6109] Water Quantity

[V2 6110] Water Temperature

[V2 6115] 24-Hour Noise Exposure Limits

[V2 6078] Continuous Noise Limits

[V2 6079] Crew Sleep Continuous Noise 

Limits 

[V2 6080] Intermittent Noise Limits 

[V2 6082] Annoyance Noise Limits for Crew 

Sleep

[V2 6083] Impulse Noise Limit

[V2 6092] Vibration Exposure Limits during 

Sleep

[V2 6093] Vibration Limits for Performance

[V2 6095] Ionizing Radiation Protection Limit

[V2 6161] Intravehicular Area Monitoring of 

Space Radiation Exposure

[V2 6162] Personal Monitoring of Space 

Radiation Exposure

[V2 6164] Alerting of Elevated Exposure 

Rates

[V2 6165] External Space Weather 

Monitoring

[V2 7002] Food Acceptability

[V2 7008] Food Preparation

[V2 7012] Dining Accommodations

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability

[V2 7017] Body Cleansing Privacy

[V2 7021] Body Waste Management System 

Location

[V2 7022] Body Waste Management Privacy

[V2 7038] Physiological Countermeasures 

Capability

[V2 7050] Stowage Provisions

[V2 7051] Personal Stowage

[V2 7061] Nomenclature Consistency 

[V2 7062] Unique Item Identification 

[V2 7063] Interchangeable Item 

Nomenclature

[V2 7070] Sleep Accommodation 

[V2 7071] Behavioral Health and Privacy 

[V2 7073] Partial-g Sleeping 

[V2 8001] Volume Allocation

[V2 8005] Functional Arrangement

[V2 8013] Intravehicular Translation Paths

[V2 8033] Restraints for Crew Tasks

[V2 8049] Window Light Blocking

[V2 8050] Window Accessory 

Replacement/Operation without Tools 

[V2 8055] Physiological Effects of Light 

(Circadian Entrainment) 

[V2 8056] Lighting Controls 

[V2 9057] Hearing Protection Provision 

[V2 11010] EVA Suit Radiation Monitoring

Section 10: Crew Interfaces

Houston We Have a Podcast: 

NASA chats with the rock band Shinedown about the 

similarities and importance of mental health for 

orbiting astronauts, touring band members... and 

everyone! 

Ep94: Mental Health with Shinedown | NASA
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

10/24/2023

Rev B 3

Space flight occurs in an extreme environment that has unique stressors. Common behavioral health 

conditions or concerns in the spaceflight environment may include stress, depression, anxiety, relationship 

problems, and grief. The condition can be temporary, resolving with time and/or intervention, or can 

develop into a psychiatric disorder. Assessing predictive and contributing factors related to behavioral 

health can help prevent the onset of distress. 

Behavioral Health Contextual Factors

Individual Factors 

o Demographics and biological resilience 

o Personality

o Coping styles

o Culture and language

o Family and life stressors

o Major world events

Social/Crew Dynamics

o Crew size

o Social climate/cohesion

o Group living and team care skills

Behavioral Health Decrements Contributing Factors

• Sleep

• Workload

• Human System Integration Architecture (HSIA)

• Pharmacotherapeutics (adverse effects)

• Medical conditions 

• Hypoxia

• Food and nutrition

• Carbon dioxide exposure

Consequences of Behavioral Health Decrements

• Operational performance decline (that might lead to loss of mission objectives or loss of mission (e.g., 

evacuation/early return)

• Psychiatric disorders

• Neurocognitive or neurodegenerative disorders

NASA SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts stand 

inside the crew access arm leading to the 

SpaceX Dragon spacecraft Endeavour at 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Photo: NASA
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

10/24/2023

Rev B 4
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

10/24/2023

Rev B 5

Reference NASA OCHMO-TB-014 Behavioral Health Mishaps and OCHMO-TB-032 Cognitive Workload 

Assessment Methods for additional information.

Reported Behavioral Health Issues during Spaceflight 

• Soyuz T10-Salyut 7 (1984): Crew reported possible hallucinations to mission control.

• Soyuz T14-Salyut 7 (1985): Depression may have contributed to evacuation and early termination of 

the mission.

• 2 of 7 (29%) of NASA Shuttle-Mir astronauts reported depressive symptoms. (Human Research 

Evidence Report, April 11, 2016)

• An STS Payload specialist became despondent when their experiment failed. The crew reported 

concerns about the potential for dangerous behavior, including opening a hatch. As a result, the STS 

hatches were fitted with locks.

• Delayed notification to a Russian crewmember of a family member’s death led to acute social 

withdrawal, depression, and isolation.

• Soyuz 21 reportedly ended prematurely due to unspecified "interpersonal issues" with the crew.

Astronaut Journals (ISS)

Stuster J. (2010) Behavioral Issues Associated with Long-Duration Space Expeditions: Review and Analysis 

of Astronaut Journals -- Experiment 01-E104 (Journals): Final Report, NASA Technical Document, TM2010-216130
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

10/24/2023

Rev B 6

Behavioral Health Support

The following outlines the mitigation strategies currently 

utilized to prevent decrements in behavioral health and 

performance of the crew during a spaceflight mission. It should 

be noted that current behavioral health support is provided 

before, during, and after the mission. 

These behavioral health support services fall within six broad 

categories:

1. Selection

Includes things such as clinical and suitability evaluations of 

applicants throughout the selection process, and, while not 

currently facilitated, composition assignments for crew 

flight selections and composition strategies to address 

technical and non-technical compatibility of the crew.

2. Training

Training will ensure effective adaptation for both 

individuals and teams. Focuses include managing stress, 

dealing with cultural differences, working as an effective 

team, small group living, and optimizing sleep and circadian 

adaptation strategies.

3. In-Flight Psychological and Neurobehavioral Support

Private psychological conferences (PPCs) are currently 

provided; additional psychological support includes crew 

care packages, crew support events (e.g., talking with 

movie star during the mission), and other support services 

(e.g., movies, books, magazines, favorite TV shows).

4. In-Flight Psychological and Neurobehavioral Monitoring

Cognitive testing is currently fulfilled by the monthly 

administration of the Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment 

Tool for Windows (WinSCAT). A preflight baseline is 

obtained for each astronaut and is then compared using a 

monthly in-flight test. A traumatic injury or illness on-orbit 

would dictate additional testing and assessment.

For missions beyond 6 months and/or beyond LEO, 

additional minimally obtrusive measures that objectively 

evaluate psychological and behavioral states within the 

mission context should be provided.

Relevant Technical Requirements

[V1 3001] Selection and 

Recertification; [V1 3002] PreMission Preventive Health Care; [V1 

3003] In-Mission Preventive Health 

Care; [V1 4011] Mission Cognitive 

Status; [V2 4014] Completion of 

Critical Tasks; [V1 5002] 

Crewmember Training; [V1 5008] 

Psychological Mission Training; [V1 

6001] Circadian Shifting Operations 

and Fatigue Management; [V1 6004] 

Behavioral Health and Performance 

Provisions 

From: NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1, 

Rev C
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

10/24/2023

Rev B 7

5. Family Psychological Support:

The current program includes support for crewmembers’ families; examples of support include 

Private Family Conferences (PFCs).

For missions beyond six months and/or beyond LEO, additional resources to support families, 

significant others, and friends and to facilitate crew-ground communication should be provided.

6. Repatriation:

Repatriation briefings are conducted pre-flight and normally 6 weeks before landing with the 

astronauts and their family members. Additional behavioral support is provided on an as-needed 

basis to facilitate the repatriation and reintegration of the astronauts with their families and work 

lives.

Relevant Technical Requirements

[V1 3004] In-Mission Medical Care; [V1 6002] Private Medical 

Communication (PMC) Schedule; [V1 6010] Psychological Communication 

Schedule

From: NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1, Rev C

Astronauts aboard the ISS open a crew care package. 

Crew care packages are one means of keeping astronaut 

motivation and morale high, especially during long 

missions.

Credit: NASA

Photographing Earth and Journaling are 

important outlets for astronauts to manage 

their stress.

Credit: NASA
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

10/24/2023

Rev B 8

Habitat Design Guidance to Mitigate Various Psychological Stressors

Psychological Stressor Category Habitat Design Guidance 

Lack of Personal Space / Lack of Private Space

Reference OCHMO-TB-025 Cabin Architecture and OCHMOTB-041 Sleep Accommodations

• Provide individual, separate sleeping/personal quarters 

w/auditory isolation and physical separation (if possible) 

for each crew member.

• Separation of private spaces from spaces allocated for 

common, social areas, and congested translation paths is 

preferred.

• Visual separation of private spaces from each other to 

allow for the perception of increased privacy.

[V2 7070] Sleep Accommodation; [ V2 7071] Behavioral 

Health and Privacy, [V2 8001] Volume Allocation, [V2 8005] 

Functional Arrangement

Lack of Privacy in Waste & Hygiene Compartment

Reference OCHMO-TB-042 Waste Management

• Dedicated, private area for waste and hygiene with 

hygiene areas away from the dining area and medical 

station.

• Separation of Waste & Hygiene Compartment area from 

translation areas.

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability, [V2 7017] Body 

Cleansing Privacy, [V2 7021] Body Waste Management 

System Location, [V2 7022] Body Waste Management 

Privacy

Lack of Sleep Quality and/or Quantity 

Reference OCHMO-TB-041 Sleep Accommodations

• Provide restraints to secure blankets and maintain 

positioning, with a range from knees to chest to full body 

stature. 

• Provide individual control of the sleep environment in 

order to ensure adequate sleep and maintain well-being 

during missions.

• Environmental factors such as noise, temperature, 

vibration, and light inhibit sleep and affect well-being in 

space.

• Examples of sleep accommodations include clothing, 

bedding, ear plugs, light blockers, eye masks, etc. 

[V1 4014] Completion of Critical Tasks, [V2 7070] Sleep 

Accommodation, [V2 6078] Continuous Noise Limits, [V2 

6079] Crew Sleep Continuous Noise Limits, [V2 6080] 

Intermittent Noise Limits, [V2 6082] Annoyance Noise Limits 

for Crew Sleep, [V2 6083] Impulse Noise Limit, [V2 6092] 

Vibration Exposure Limits during Sleep, [V2 8049] Window 

Light Blocking, [V2 8055] Physiological Effects of Light 

(Circadian Entrainment), [V2 9057] Hearing Protection 

Provision
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

10/24/2023

Rev B 9

Habitat Design Guidance to Mitigate Various Psychological Stressors

Psychological Stressor Category Habitat Design Guidance 

Sense of Poorly Placed Stowage

Reference OCHMO-TB-025 Cabin 

Architecture

• Ensure stowage types are near designated areas (i.e., food near dining).

• Ensure that not all materials are stowed in one place.

[V2 7008] Food Preparation, [V2 7050] Stowage Provisions, [V2 7051]

Personal Stowage

Long periods of low workload 

Bursts of high workload 

Lack of meaningful work /activity

Reference OCHMO-TB-005 Usability, 

Workload, & Error and OCHMO-TB-032 

Cognitive Workload

• Provide individual development plans for each person's work goals, 

progress, and achievements.

• Allocation of space and resources to accommodate everyone's work and 

activities (i.e., science, laboratory equipment, electronic curriculum, etc.).

• The user must be able to cognitively process all information sources and 

physically execute all actions within the time required.

[V1 4011] Mission Cognitive Status, [V1 4014] Completion of Critical Tasks, 

[V1 6001] Circadian Shifting Operations and Fatigue Management, [V2 3006] 

Human-Centered Task Analysis, [V2 5007] Cognitive Workload , [V2 10200] 

Physical Workload

Lack of Individual Controls Over 

Temperature, Ventilation, Lighting, 

Humidity, or Noise

Reference OCHMO-TB-002 ECLSS, 

OCHMO-TB-026 Lighting Design, and 

OCHMO-TB-035 Acoustics

• Place individual controls and distribution vents in crew quarters and at 

workstations.

[V2 6013] Crew Performance Environmental Zone, [V2 6017] Atmospheric 

Control, [V2 6115] 24-Hour Noise Exposure Limits, [V2 6078] Continuous

Noise Limits, [V2 6079] Crew Sleep Continuous Noise Limits, [V2 6080] 

Intermittent Noise Limits, [V2 6082] Annoyance Noise Limits for Crew Sleep, 

[V2 6083] Impulse Noise Limit [V2 8049] Window Light Blocking, [V2 8050] 

Window Accessory Replacement/Operation without Tools, [V2 8055], 

Physiological Effects of Light (Circadian Entrainment), [V2 8056] Lighting 

Controls, [V2 9057] Hearing Protection Provision 

Limited Communication with Home • Communication system should be provided in each private quarter

• System that facilitates voice and text should be provided

• Private communication with family

• Private space with pictures of family members

[V1 3004] In-Mission Medical Care, V2 Section 10.5 Audio, Communication, 

and Video Systems

Crew Composition

Reference OCHMO-TB-034 Crew 

Selection and Recertification

• Characteristics of the crew (team size, gender makeup, job roles, and 

cultural backgrounds), which are established before the mission, should be 

considered when defining the habitat requirements.

[V1 3001] Selection and Recertification, [V1 4011] Mission Cognitive Status
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

10/24/2023

Rev B 10

Habitat Design Guidance to Mitigate Various Psychological Stressors

Psychological Stressor Category Habitat Design Guidance

Lack of Hygiene Separation

Reference OCHMO-TB-042 Waste Management

• Provide separation between clean areas (medical 

treatment, food prep, crew quarters, etc.) and dirty areas 

(hygiene, dusty areas, etc.) 

• Provide olfactory or other partitions to prevent 

contamination of clean areas. This can include closed, 

separately ventilated areas.

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability, [V2 7017] Body 

Cleansing Privacy, [V2 7021] Body Waste Management 

System Location, [V2 7022] Body Waste Management 

Privacy, [V2 8005] Functional Arrangement

Lack of "Backup Plan" / "Rescue Scenario“

Reference OCHMO-TB-020 Radiation Protection and 

OCHMO-TB-017 Automated and Robotic Systems 

• Placement of hatches to allow for alternate escape routes.

• Provision of radiation shelter.

[V2 6022] Atmospheric Monitoring and Alerting Parameters, 

[V2 6095] Ionizing Radiation Protection Limit, [V2 6162] 

Personal Monitoring of Space Radiation Exposure, [V2 6164] 

Alerting of Elevated Exposure Rates, [V2 6165] External 

Space Weather Monitoring, [V2 11010] EVA Suit Radiation 

Monitoring, V2 Section 10.6 Automated and Robotic Systems

Crew Mortality/Death of a Crewmember

Reference OCHMO-TB-012 Mortality Related to 

Human Spaceflight

• Facilities and plans for handling deceased crewmembers 

that are socially, psychologically, biologically, culturally, 

and physically acceptable are to be established during 

system development.

• The plan must prioritize minimizing the risks to surviving 

crewmembers (including psychological harm).

[V1 3050] Pre-Mission Crew Mortality Plan, [V1 3052] InMission Forensic Sample Collection, [V1 3055] Surviving 

Crew Support

Reference NASA OCHMO-TB-025 Cabin Architecture and OCHMO-TB-00007 Mission Duration for 

additional information on designing habitats for long-duration missions.
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Back-Up

10/24/2023

Rev B 11
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Major Changes Between Revisions

10/24/2023

Rev B 12

Rev A  Rev B

• Updated information and standards to be consistent with 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev C and Volume 2 Rev D.

Original  Rev B

• Updated information and standards to be consistent with 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev B and Volume 2 Rev C.
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Revision C

[V1 3001] Selection and Recertification Crewmembers shall be medically and psychologically selected 

and annually recertified following the guidance in OCHMO-STD-100.1A, NASA Astronaut Medical 

Standards Selection and Annual Recertification.

[V1 3002] Pre-Mission Preventive Health Care Pre-mission preventive strategies shall be used to reduce 

in-mission and long-term health medical risks including, but not limited to: (see NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 

Rev C for full technical requirement).

[V1 3003] In-Mission Preventive Health Care All programs shall provide training, in-mission capabilities, 

and resources to monitor physiological and psychosocial well-being and enable delivery of in-mission 

preventive health care, based on epidemiological evidence-based probabilistic risk assessment (PRA),

individual crewmember needs, clinical practice guidelines, flight surgeon expertise, historical review, 

mission parameters, and vehicle derived limitations. These analyses consider the needs and limitations

of each specific vehicle and design reference mission (DRM) with particular attention to parameters such 

as mission duration, expected return time to Earth, mission route and destination, expected radiation

profile, concept of operations, and more. In-mission preventive care includes, but is not limited to: (see 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev C for full technical requirement).

[V1 3004] In-Mission Medical Care All programs shall provide training, in-mission medical capabilities,

and resources to diagnose and treat potential medical conditions based on epidemiological evidencebased PRA, individual crewmember needs, clinical practice guidelines, flight surgeon expertise, historical

review, mission parameters, and vehicle-derived limitations. These analyses consider the needs and 

limitations of each specific vehicle and design reference mission (DRM) with particular attention to 

parameters such as mission duration, expected return time to Earth, mission route and destination, 

expected radiation profile, concept of operations, and more. In-mission capabilities (including hardware 

and software), resources (including consumables), and training to enable in-mission medical care, and 

behavioral care, are to include, but are not limited to: (see NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev C for full 

technical requirement).

[V1 3050] Pre-Mission Crew Mortality Plan The program shall develop and execute a Crew Mortality Plan 

and determine legal jurisdiction prior to each mission (including preflight activities, launch, operations, 

and landing).

[V1 3052] In-Mission Forensic Sample Collection The program shall have the capability to obtain inmission forensic evidence from a deceased crewmember and return this evidence to Earth.

[V1 3055] Surviving Crew Support The program shall provide behavioral health support to the deceased

crewmembers' family, surviving crewmembers, and support team in-mission and post-mission.

[V1 4011] Mission Cognitive Status Pre-mission, in-mission, and post-mission crew behavioral health and 

crewmember cognitive state shall be within clinically accepted values as judged by behavioral health 

evaluation.

[V1 4014] Completion of Critical Tasks The planned number of hours for completion of critical tasks and 

events, workday, and planned sleep period shall have established limits to assure continued crew health 

and safety.

Referenced Technical Requirements

10/24/2023

Rev B 13

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Revision C

[V1 5002] Crewmember Training Beginning with the astronaut candidate year, general medical training, 

including, but not limited to, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), altitude physiological training, 

carbon dioxide exposure training, familiarization with medical issues, procedures of space flight, 

psychological training, and supervised physical conditioning training shall be provided to the astronaut 

corps.

[V1 5008] Psychological Mission Training Specific pre-mission briefings and training shall be provided as

appropriate to the commander (CDR), CMOs, crewmembers, key ground personnel, and crew families 

concerning the significant psychological and social phenomena that may arise in all phases of a mission.

[V1 6001] Circadian Shifting Operations and Fatigue Management Crew schedule planning and 

operations shall be provided to include circadian entrainment, work/rest schedule assessment, task 

loading assessment, countermeasures, and special activities.

[V1 6002] Private Medical Communication Schedule Private medical communications shall be scheduled 

on a routine basis, as determined by the Flight Surgeon, at a frequency dictated for short or long-duration 

missions.

[V1 6004] Behavioral Health and Performance Provisions Program shall implement 

psychological/behavioral health support programs for the crewmembers, key ground personnel, and 

crewmember families throughout the mission.

[V1 6010] Psychological Communication Schedule A PPC shall be scheduled on a routine basis, as 

determined by the Behavioral Health Provider, at a frequency dictated for short or long duration missions.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 3006] Human-Centered Task Analysis Each human space flight program or project shall perform a 

human-centered task analysis to support systems and operations design. 

[V2 4102] Functional Anthropometric Accommodation The system shall ensure the range of potential 

crewmembers can fit, reach, view, and operate the human systems interfaces by accommodating 

crewmembers with the anthropometric dimensions and ranges of motion as defined in data sets in 

Appendix E, Physical Characteristics and Capabilities, Sections E.2 and E.3. 

[V2 5007] Cognitive Workload The system shall provide crew interfaces that result in Bedford Workload 

Scale ratings of 3 or less for nominal tasks and 6 or less for tasks performed under degraded system 

conditions. 

[V2 10200] Physical Workload The system shall provide crew interfaces that result in a Borg-CR10 rating 

of perceived exertion (RPE) of 4 (somewhat strong) or less.

[V2 6013] Crew Performance Environmental Zone The system shall be capable of reaching atmospheric 

humidity and temperatures of nominally occupied habitable volumes within the zone provided in Figure 

6.2-3—Crew Performance Environmental Zone, during all nominal operations, excluding suited operations, 

ascent, entry, landing, and post landing.

[V2 6017] Atmospheric Control The system shall allow for local and remote control of atmospheric 

pressure, humidity, temperature, ventilation, and ppO2.

Referenced Technical Requirements

10/24/2023

Rev B 14

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 6022] Atmospheric Monitoring and Alerting The system shall alert the crew locally and remotely 

when atmospheric parameters, including atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature, ppO2, and ppCO2 

are outside safe limits.

[V2 6109] Water Quantity The system shall provide a minimum water quantity as specified in Table 6.3-

1—Water Quantities and Temperatures, for the expected needs of each mission, which should be 

considered mutually independent.

[V2 6110] Water Temperature The system shall provide the appropriate water temperature as

specified in Table 6.3-1—Water Quantities and Temperatures, for the expected needs of each mission and 

task.

[V2 6115] 24-Hour Noise Exposure Limits The noise exposure level (not including impulse noise) at the

crewmember's head, calculated over any 24-hour period, except during launch, entry, and abort 

operations, shall be limited such that the noise dose (D) is ≤100 (see NASA-STD-3001 Vol 2 Rev D for 

equations).

[V2 6078] Continuous Noise Limits In spacecraft work areas, where good voice communications and 

habitability are required, SPLs of continuous noise (not including impulse noise) shall be limited to the 

values given by the Noise Criterion (NC)-50 curve in Figure 6.6-1—NC Curves, and Table 6.6-3—Octave 

Band SPL Limits for Continuous Noise, dB re 20 μPa (micropascals); hearing protection cannot be used to 

satisfy this requirement.

[V2 6079] Crew Sleep Continuous Noise Limits For missions greater than 30 days, SPLs of continuous 

noise shall be limited to the values given by the NC-40 curve (see Figure 6.6-1—NC Curves, and Table 6.6-

3—Octave Band SPL Limits for Continuous Noise, dB re 20 μPa) in crew quarters and sleep areas. Hearing 

protection cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

[V2 6080] Intermittent Noise Limits For hardware items that operate for eight hours or less (generating 

intermittent noise), the maximum noise emissions (not including impulse noise), measured 0.6 m from 

the loudest hardware surface, shall be determined according to Table 6.6-4—Intermittent Noise AWeighted SPL and Corresponding Operational Duration Limits for any 24-hour period (measured at 0.6 m 

distance from the source). Hearing protection cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

[V2 6082] Annoyance Noise Limits for Crew Sleep With the exception of communications and alarms, the 

system shall limit impulse and intermittent noise levels at the crewmember’s head location to 10 dB 

above background noise levels during crew sleep periods. Hearing protection cannot be used to satisfy 

this requirement.

[V2 6083] Impulse Noise Limit The system shall limit impulse noise measured at the crewmember’s head 

location to less than 140 dB peak SPL during all mission phases except launch and entry. Hearing 

protection cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

[V2 6092] Vibration Exposure Limits during Sleep The system shall limit vibration to the crew such that 

the acceleration between 1.0 and 80 Hz in each of the X, Y, and Z axes, weighted in accordance with ISO 

20283-5, Mechanical Vibration—Measurement of Vibration on Ships; Part 5 - Guidelines for the 

Measurement, Evaluation, and Reporting of Vibration with Regard to Habitability on Passenger and 

Merchant Ships, Annex A, is less than 0.01 g (0.1 m/s2) RMS for each two-minute interval during the crew 

sleep period.

Referenced Technical Requirements

10/24/2023

Rev B 15

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 6093] Vibration Limits for Performance The system shall ensure the appropriate level of crew task

performance (e.g., motor control accuracy and precision, vision/readability, speech clarity, attentional 

focus) during vibration by evaluating task performance under all expected (nominal and off-nominal) 

vibration levels.

[V2 6095] Ionizing Radiation Protection Limit The program shall set system design requirements to 

prevent potential crewmembers from exceeding PELs as set forth in NASA-STD-3001, Volume 1.

[V2 6161] Intravehicular Area Monitoring of Space Radiation Exposure The program shall monitor the 

radiation exposure produced by galactic cosmic rays, solar energetic particles, trapped radiation, and 

neutrons in habitable volumes as referenced in Table 6.8-1—Space Radiation Monitoring Requirements 

Mission Location vs. Required Monitoring.

[V2 6162] Personal Monitoring of Space Radiation Exposure The program shall monitor the radiation 

exposure produced by galactic cosmic rays, solar energetic particles, and trapped radiation received by 

individual crew members as referenced in Table 6.8-1—Space Radiation Monitoring Requirements Mission 

Location vs. Required Monitoring.

[V2 6164] Alerting of Elevated Exposure Rates The radiation monitoring system shall alert the crew and

operations teams when radiation exposure rates exceed predefined thresholds.

[V2 6165] External Space Weather Monitoring The program shall monitor the in-situ extravehicular space

weather environment including the external exposure rates, electron flux spectra, and proton flux spectra.

[V2 7002] Food Acceptability The system shall provide food that is acceptable to the crew for the duration 

of the mission.

[V2 7008] Food Preparation The system shall provide the capability for preparation, consumption, and 

stowage of food.

[V2 7012] Dining Accommodations The system shall provide adequate volume and accommodations for 

crewmembers to dine together.

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability Personal hygiene items shall be provided for each crewmember, 

along with corresponding system capabilities for oral hygiene, personal grooming, and body cleansing.

[V2 7017] Body Cleansing Privacy The system shall provide for privacy during personal hygiene activities.

[V2 7021] Body Waste Management System Location The body waste management system shall be 

isolated from the food preparation and consumption areas for aesthetic and hygienic purposes.

[V2 7022] Body Waste Management Privacy The system shall provide privacy during use of the body 

waste management system.

[V2 7038] Physiological Countermeasures Capability The system shall provide countermeasures to meet 

crew bone, muscle, sensorimotor, thermoregulation, and aerobic/cardiovascular requirements defined in 

NASA-STD-3001, Volume 1.

[V2 7050] Stowage Provisions The system shall provide for the stowage of hardware and supplies, to 

include location, restraint, and protection for these items.

[V2 7051] Personal Stowage The system shall provide a stowage location for personal items and clothing.

[V2 7061] Nomenclature Consistency The nomenclature used to refer to the items tracked by the 

inventory management system shall be consistent with procedures and labels.

Referenced Technical Requirements

10/24/2023

Rev B 16

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 7062] Unique Item Identification Items that need to be uniquely identified shall have a unique name.

[V2 7063] Interchangeable Item Nomenclature Items within the inventory management system that are 

identical and interchangeable shall have identical nomenclature.

[V2 7070] Sleep Accommodation The system shall provide volume, restraint, accommodations, 

environmental control (e.g., vibration, lighting, noise, and temperature), and degree of privacy for sleep 

for each crewmember to support overall crew health and performance.

[V2 7071] Behavioral Health and Privacy For long-duration missions (>30 days), individual privacy 

facilities shall be provided. 

[V2 7073] Partial-g Sleeping The system shall provide for horizontal sleep surface areas for partial-g and 1-

g environments.

[V2 8001] Volume Allocation The system shall provide the defined habitable volume and layout to 

physically accommodate crew operations and living.

[V2 8005] Functional Arrangement Habitability functions shall be located based on the use of common 

equipment, interferences, and the sequence and compatibility of operations.

[V2 8013] Intravehicular Translation Paths The system shall provide intravehicular activity (IVA) 

translation paths that allow for safe and unencumbered movement of suited and unsuited crew and 

equipment.

[V2 8033] Restraints for Crew Tasks The system shall provide restraints for expected crew operations. 

[V2 8049] Window Light Blocking Each system window shall provide a means to prevent external light 

from entering the crew compartment, such that the interior light level can be reduced to 2.0 lux at 0.5 m 

(20 in) from each window.

[V2 8050] Window Accessory Replacement/Operation without Tools System window accessories 

designed for routine use shall be operable by one crewmember and be removable or replaceable without 

the use of tools.

[V2 8055] Physiological Effects of Light (Circadian Entrainment) The system shall provide the levels of 

light to support the physiological effects of light in accordance with Table 8.7-2—Physiological Lighting 

Specifications.

[V2 8056] Lighting Controls Lighting systems shall have on-off controls.

[V2 9057] Hearing Protection Provision Appropriate personal hearing protection shall be provided to the 

crew during all mission phases for contingency or personal preference.

[V2 11010] EVA Suit Radiation Monitoring The suit shall provide or accommodate radiation monitoring

and alerting functions to allow the crew to take appropriate actions.

Section 10: Crew Interfaces

Referenced Technical Requirements

10/24/2023

Rev B 17

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-016

Behavioral Health and Performance

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference List

10/24/2023

Rev B 18

1. NASA Human Health, Medical, and Performance Spaceflight Standards – NASA-Standard 3001 

Volumes 1 and 2. https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/hhp/human-spaceflight-and-aviationstandards/

2. NASA-STD-3001 Human Integration Design Handbook, Rev 1. 

https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/ochmo/human-integration-design-handbook/

3. Evidence Report: Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders, April 

11, 2016. Behavioral Health and Performance. 

https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/humanresearch/elements/research_info_element-bhp.html

4. Stahn, A. C., Kohlberg, E., Gallinat, J., Dinges, D. F., Kühn, S. (2019). Brain Changes in Response to Long 

Antarctic Expeditions. The New England Journal of Medicine, 381: 2273-2275.

5. Buckey, J. C., Jr. (2006). Space Physiology. Oxford University Press.

6. Troitsyna, M. (2011, June 14). Angels in space nothing but top secret hallucinations. Pravda.

7. Burrough, B. (1998). Dragonfly. HarperCollins.

8. Vakoch, D. A. (2012). Psychology of Space Exploration: Contemporary Research in Historical 

Perspective. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters. 

9. Basner, M., Dinges, D. F., Mollicone, D. J., Savelev, I., Ecker, A. J., Di Antonio, A., et al. (2014). 

Psychological and Behavioral Changes during Confinement in a 520-Day Simulated Interplanetary 

Mission to Mars. PLoS ONE, 9(3), e93298. 

10. Suedfeld, P., Brcic, J., Johnson, P. J., & Gushin, V. (2015). Coping strategies during and after spaceflight: 

Data from retired cosmonauts. Acta Astronautica, 110: 43-49.

11. Sirmons, T. A., Roma, P. G., Whitmire, A. M., Smith, S. M., Zwart, S. R., Young, M., & Douglas, G. L. 

(2020). Meal replacement in isolated and confined mission environments: Consumption, acceptability, 

and implications for physical and behavioral health. Physiology & Behavior, 219: 112829.