Behavior: The Limits of Astronauts

As the Skylab astronauts completed their 43rd day in space at week's end, they were still healthy and cheerful. Officials were elated. If the astronauts remained in good health and readjusted well to the earth's gravity on their return, said NASA Administrator James Fletcher, then "we've come a long way" toward proving that man can physically endure even the projected two-year Mars mission. But one group of experts remained doubtful about the prospects for longer manned flights. They were NASA's Navy consultants, who have spent years studying the psychological effects of lengthy confinement on U.S. nuclear-submarine crews. If man remains in...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!