Mar 3 1963

From The Space Library

Whilden P. Breen, Jr., 35-year-old research assistant, Spent his 106th consecutive day living in specially constructed isolation chamber in Univ. of Maryland's Space Laboratory building, in NASA-sponsored experiment to "obtain basic information on how man perform under certain conditions of stress, and methods to deal with Such problems So that astronauts of the future [con­fined for prolonged periods within interplanetary Spacecraft, or­biting space stations, or extraterrestrial bases] will be able to perform their duties at highest efficiency." With no direct view of outside world nor of any other person, volunteer Breen was under constant Surveillance by experimenters outside and did com­municate with them by teletype and voice. Subject's activities were programmed automatically, with panel of illuminated push­buttons identifying each activity for him. Experimenters Said he had "responded well in the performance of his tasks . . . [and had] displayed heightened capability and richness in those creative activities which are available to him (e.g., writing and painting): He appears to be in good physical and mental condition and is eager to continue the Study." (NASA Release 63-45; NASA Fact Sheet)

Mar 4 1963