The Longest Goodbye

In the coming decade, NASA is poised to undertake an unprecedented mission – sending astronauts to Mars for the very first time. This historic endeavor will carry astronauts far from Earth, rendering them unable to maintain real-time communication with ground control over the course of their arduous three-year journey. As a consequence, the crew members will confront profound isolation, a challenge that could significantly impact their mental well-being and the overall success of the mission. "The Longest Goodbye" introduces us to a resourceful NASA psychologist assigned the critical role of safeguarding these intrepid explorers. These individuals find themselves torn between their profound aspiration to pioneer uncharted frontiers and the undeniable yearning to remain connected to their home planet. This inner conflict, as we come to realize, transcends the realm of space travel, raising poignant questions about the delicate balance between our relentless pursuit of progress and our profound ties to our origins and to one another.