ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we provide an introduction to computational modeling, in particular agent-based models (ABMs), and how they are being leveraged to address challenges in conducting research on space exploration crews. We describe steps to construct models that describe, predict, and prescribe dynamics of crew members engaged in a long-distance space exploration (LDSE). We model social relations between crew members (task affect, task hindrance, leadership, and followership) as a function of team composition and unique aspects of LDSE context (task scheduling, communication delay, and sleep deprivation). We describe the process of model construction, calibration, validation, and application. We then discuss how computational modeling can be translated into decision support tools usable in future space exploration missions.
