2013, Volume 19, Issue 3

The Emergence and Development of Space Psychology in Poland. The Significance of the Historical Space Flight of Mirosław Hermaszewski

Jan F. Terelak¹
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¹Department of Flight Safety, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine


Autor korenspondencyjny: Jan F. Terelak; Department of Flight Safety, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine; email: jterelak[at]wiml.waw.pl

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Streszczenie

Introduction. This article is a review attempting to assess the achievements of space psychology in Poland since the establishment and development of the discipline inspired by the historical space flight of the first Pole, Maj. Mirosław Hermaszewski. Methods. Polish and worldwide literature in aviation and space psychology was reviewed in a retrospective and prospective manner. Results. Four key areas of interest of Polish space psychology were identified: (1) model for psychological selection of Polish cosmonauts; (2) Polish psychological studies conducted in the space station; (3) Studies in the natural laboratory of the Arctic and Antarctic Stations of the Polish Academy of Sciences; (4) Popularization activities related to space psychology in Poland. Discussion. Elements common for both American and Soviet (Russian) space psychology were identifi ed in examinations of cosmonauts and astronauts; the original Polish input to the worldwide literature on the subject was highlighted. Conclusions. The historical space flight of the first Pole had undoubtedly had a strong impact on the establishment and development of many space-related scientifi c disciplines, including space psychology.

Słowa kluczowe

pilots, pilots, astronauts, astronauts, cosmonauts, cosmonauts, astronautics, astronautics, extreme stress, extreme stress, psychological selection criteria for space mission crew members, psychological selection criteria for space mission crew members