One of the key experiments, "Astro Mental Health," will compare mental health data collected in space with findings from Earth-based simulations.
The goal is to refine astronaut training methods and improve psychological support systems for future space missions, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Dr. Agnieszka Skorupa, head of the "Astro Mental Health" project at the University of Silesia, explained that researchers aim to understand how prolonged isolation and harsh conditions affect the human brain.
"We hope our study will deepen knowledge about astronauts' psychology and help improve monitoring and support procedures," she said. "Another objective is to verify the effectiveness of research methods used on Earth to better assess human behavior in extreme, isolated environments."
Extended periods in space have well-documented adverse effects on human well-being, from disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to diminished cognitive capacity, to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Health can also be affected directly by adjusting to the lack of gravity, and the presence of increased space radiation, most of which is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere before it reaches its surface.
The experiment will collect data on astronauts' well-being and their interactions with crew members.
"We are interested not only in responses to questionnaires during the mission aboard the International Space Station but also in astronauts' spoken narratives recorded in audio diaries," Skorupa said.
"Once we receive the data, we will analyze both the content of their statements and their facial expressions to assess emotional responses," she added.
The "Astro Mental Health" project is one of several experiments developed by Polish institutions for the two-week-long Igni" mission.
The Polish mission is taking place alongside AX-4, a private spaceflight heading to the International Space Station, which will include Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.
The mission is scheduled for late spring.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk last month reaffirmed the country's space ambitions during a meeting with international astronauts in Warsaw.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, polskieradio.pl, cmsw.mit.edu
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Michał Owczarek.