Two new works by Kanas explore the psychiatric implications of space exploration

Professor Emeritus Nick Kanas, MD, recently published two new science fiction novels exploring the psychiatric, psychological and sociological aspects of theoretical future space missions. Kanas’ “The New Martians” explores psychological issues that could affect a crew returning from a long-duration mission to Mars. The book also introduces and explores the underlying science, in particular the psychological, psychiatric, and interpersonal elements, in an extensive appendix.

His other recent novel, “The Protos Mandate,” discusses the psychological and sociological factors inherent in multigenerational space missions, as well as issues surrounding the colonization of distant planets and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life. Both books are available through Springer International.

At UCSF, Kanas conducted research in group therapy at SFVAMC for over two decades, directed the group therapy training program, and for nearly 20 years served as the principal investigator of NASA-funded research on astronauts and cosmonauts. He has also been an amateur astronomer for more over 50 years. He has written more than 200 publications, including the books “Space Psychology and Psychiatry” and “Group Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients.”