'Do you read me, HAL?' Space agencies weigh pairing astronauts in deep space with AI companions

What does it take to be selected for space missions? Two astronauts aboard the International Space Station reveal the key crucial characteristics that make up "the right stuff." Space agencies around the world are developing AI companions to help astronauts stave off loneliness, combat space-induced mental illness and assist with work on multi-year trips. "Deep space travel will pose unique challenges to crew, challenges that are inherently different from those currently experienced on orbit," Alexandra Whitmire, a scientist with NASA's Human Factors and Behavioral Performance team, told Space.com. "Given the distance of Mars, for example, the duration of such a mission will last around 2.5 years."