Russian and American scientists are starting a large-scale study into the cognitive psychology of astronauts to develop new technologies to adjust them for operations in extreme conditions, Tomsk State University (TSU) head Edward Galazhinsky told reporters Tuesday.

"This is a search for patterns and the development of new mechanisms to adjust the actions of the astronauts, which would allow them to make correct decisions in extreme situations, when there is a huge number of unforeseen situations.

"The human factor is not excluded. Together we are working on technologies that would allow the astronauts to accomplish safe spacecraft docking," Galazhinsky said.

According to him, the university has set up a laboratory for cognitive space research. The project involves the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of Siberian Branch at Russian Academy of Sciences' Siberian branch in Tomsk, Rocket and Space Corporation Energia in Korolev, the United States' Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania, as well as Russian cosmonauts Alexander Kaleri and Sergei Krikalev.

Galazhinsky also noted that preparatory work is currently underway in the laboratory.

"The research program is being developed, the instrumental methods are being selected. The experiments will start later in fall," the Tomsk State University head added.

Earlier, the university reported that the final result of research would be the development of new technologies, trainers, equipment, computer programs, as well as physical exercises and methods that will reduce the timeof cosmonauts' training, while increasing its efficiency.

Source: RIA Novosti