Optimise behavioural health and human factors research for deep space missions by classifying analogue scenarios and fidelity

How do we prepare humans for deep space if we can't yet send them there? This peer-reviewed paper, published in Frontiers in Space Technologies, introduces the Extended Feature Classification System of Analogues (EFCSA) — a framework co-developed by Ilaria Cinelli to identify which Earth-based environments best replicate the physical and psychological demands of future space missions. From cave diving to polar expeditions, the research ranks analogue scenarios by fidelity, arguing that behavioural health must be central to mission design. A foundational contribution to human factors research in space exploration.