Professor David William Kim of the Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA) at Kookmin University has published the results of his independent research in a European SSCI journal, focusing on the physiological and psychological risks that may arise during long-term lunar and Martian exploration, based on humanity’s space exploration experience, including the International Space Station (ISS) and NASA’s Artemis I, II, (III, IV) missions. He identified altered gravity, space radiation, isolation and confined environments, distance from Earth, and unknown environments as major risk factors for long-term space exploration, and introduced new research avenues to address loneliness, emotional stress, and declines in behavior and performance that may arise during future spaceflight.

Among these, the study highlighted the potential for animals to support astronauts’ psychological stability and social resilience. In particular, it proposed “human-pet companionship” as a new model for supporting psychological and behavioral health. This proposal was recognized by NASA space scientists and engineers, and the study emphasized the need to research not only engineering technologies but also cognitive, emotional, and social resilience for future lunar bases and crewed missions to Mars. These research findings served as a proactive opportunity to explore the potential for interdisciplinary research combining space science, medicine, neuroscience, and psychology for future deep-space exploration. Below is a brief summary of part of the original paper, “Animal-assisted resilience in space exploration: a human factors approach to astronaut behavioral health.”

The development of space medicine systematically improved the scientific and technological condition of astronauts. Yet, for future space travel, the sustainable maintenance of human behavioral health remained as one of the key hindrances to resolve. This paper, though not based on an empirical evaluation at this stage, argues a rational hypothesis as an innovative countermeasure that the physical and psychological well-being of space crews in terms of neuroscience and risk management can be enhanced by the cognitive policy of a human-pet companionship, where animals are no longer experimental subjects but as fellow astronauts. While there is a different ecosystem between Mars travelling & living conditions (1/3 gravity, confined habitat, and crewed mission) and the lunar gateway station (1/6 gravity, many dockings and crew changes), animals should be regularly monitored for diseases, chronic conditions (arthritis, skin mass, seizure, etc.), and motor behavior (Gray, 1998). 

However, if the engineering aspects of life support, hygiene, exercise and other requirements can be secured not to reduce the scientific capabilities (Reina et al., 2021, pp. 1–6), the human-nonhuman bond, especially with dogs, can reduce work-related stress by facilitating communication and improving productivity, in the context of safety, teamwork, and mission success (McDermott, 2012). Various dog breeds and their traits are considered to estimate which would be most suitable for Mars exploration. Since they are naturally affectionate with people, the playfulness level of dogs, along with AI programmed pets, can encourage physical activity and cooperation among astronauts. The characters of friendliness, obedience, and protective instinct can benefit the mental, social, and physical health of humans, preventing from the natural symptoms of loneliness, mental breakdown, fear, and lethargy. The advantages of the junior female dog companion (2.5–3 years old) trained with astronaut candidates could undoubtedly contribute to the resilience and the welfare of astronauts during work, personal time, and community life. 

For further details (Journal of Frontiers in Psychology), see: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1861615/full