Astronaut crews living and working in space experience as a matter of course what many of us experienced unexpectedly during the coronavirus pandemic. Consider these similarities.

Astronauts are physically isolated for a long period of time from family, friends, and the majority of their work colleagues. Their daily in-person interactions are limited to the few people they live with, and their other interactions are intermediated through digital technology. And like many of us these days, their home also serves as their workplace.

They are surrounded by a dangerous environment that poses a threat to their physical health. For astronauts, the dangers include a lack of oxygen in outer space; for us, the danger has been the risk of contracting Covid-19. What was new and disorienting in our work lives and personal lives during the past year is the ongoing reality of an astronaut’s day.

So, what does NASA know about the effects of living in relative social isolation for an extended period of time and then adjusting upon return to being around lots of people again?

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