Radio-based space-to-ground communication between crew members in space and mission control centers on the ground has the operational purpose of continuing safe and effective execution of tasks on missions to space. Space-to-ground communication does however also constitute one of the relatively few interpersonal relationships astronauts have during missions and in addition to serving an operational purpose, this communication can support astronauts' wellbeing.

Through microlevel analysis of space-to-ground communication between the International Space Station (ISS) and Mission Control Centers on the ground, SPACOM aims to further examine the subject.

The aim is to generate more knowledge about this distinct form of communication and to enable further development of it. The overall purpose is to further support behavioral health and performance in human space exploration both in low Earth orbit and beyond.

The applied data is a combination of online streamed publicly available space-to-ground communication and interviews with astronauts and mission controllers.