This study investigates the therapeutic effects of virtual reality (VR)-based nature therapy on mild depression in a simulated space station isolation environment. The confined and enclosed environment of a space station deprives individuals of contact with the natural environment, potentially exacerbating depressive symptoms. We designed an experiment combining traditional depression treatments with VR-based virtual nature therapy to explore a novel therapeutic approach. Thirty participants (15 males and 15 females) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: One receiving traditional treatment plus VR-based nature therapy, and the other receiving only traditional treatment. Depression symptoms were assessed at the baseline and after 12 days. The experimental group underwent 12 days of VR-based nature therapy, resulting in reduced depressive symptoms as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. However, there were no marked changes in the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Report scale scores. Compared to the experimental group, the control group exhibited smaller improvements in depressive symptoms. These findings affirm the efficacy and applicability of VR-based nature therapy, offering insights for future research into habitat environments for deep-space exploration.

During space missions, astronauts live in a confined technological environment, completely isolated and deprived of the variety and variation found in the environment on Earth. This circumstance has a strong impact on the psycho-physiological states of the crew. Particularly in light of the plans for long-duration missions, new research needs to be carried out. The goal of this study, conducted at Xiangtan Central Hospital in China, was to test whether multicolour lighting can improve people’s psychological state in an isolated and confined environment over a period of seven days. Twenty participants (10 male and 10 female) were randomly divided into two groups: one group that was exposed to multicolour lighting and a control group, which was exposed to a static, monotonous white interior. The participants’ psychological state was recorded on the first day, the fourth day, and the seventh day. The results of the control group showed that the participants’ negative emotions and anxiety continued to increase over time, whereas the group randomly exposed to multicolour lighting that changed every three hours did not show any significant increase in negative emotions and anxiety. Moreover, the random change of light colour in the isolated environment appeared to help the participants increase their sense of surprise, thereby counteracting monotony. Finally, during this experiment, it was observed that when people who are accustomed to being connected to social networks were deprived of this, they experienced insomnia and unaccustomed reactions, in particular on the first days of deprivation. This article contributes to future space exploration and to social and psychological support of life in isolated and confined environments.