국민대학교 한국우주인연구소 (KIFA: Korea Institute for Astronauts) 데이비드 윌리엄 김(David William Kim)교수는 국제우주정거장(ISS)과 NASA Artemis I·II, (III, IV) 등 인류의 우주탐사 경험을 바탕으로 장기간 달·화성 탐사에서 발생할 생리적·심리적 위험에 주목한 단독 연구결과를 유럽 SSCI저널에 출판하였다. 변화된 중력, 우주방사선, 고립과 제한된 환경, 지구와의 거리, 미지의 환경을 장기 우주탐사의 주요 위험요인으로 제시하고 또한 미래 우주비행에서 발생할 수 있는 외로움과 정서적 부담, 행동·수행능력 저하에 대응하기 위한 새로운 연구 가능성을 소개했다. 

그 가운데 동물이 우주비행사 (Astronauts)의 심리적 안정과 사회적 회복력을 지원할 수 있는 가능성에 주목했다. 특히 ‘인간-반려동물 동반(Human-Pet Companionship)’을 새로운 심리·행동건강 지원 모델로 제안하여 NASA 우주과학자와 기술자들에게서 인정받아 향후 달 기지와 화성 유인탐사를 위해 공학기술뿐 아니라 인지·정서·사회적 회복력을 함께 연구해야 한다고 강조했다. 이번 연구결과는 미래 심우주탐사를 위한 우주과학과 의학·신경과학·심리학의 융합연구 가능성을 모색하는 선제적인 연구계기가 됐다. 아래는 원문의 (Animal-assisted resilience in space exploration: a human factors approach to astronaut behavioral health)일부 내용을 간략하게 소개하고 있다.

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