Introduction.

This paper introduces articles in a 1961 issue of the journal "Social Issues," about the diversity of impacts of Man in Space (MIS) and of the theoretical and research opportunities involved. Gardner Murphy explores the changing nature of man himself over the long period of man's growth into space. Another author makes broad inventory of the diversity of impacts on contemporary institutions and activities and documents the extent to which they have already become part of life. The space crew is also examined as a laboratory for group living, which will pose questions for psychology. The diversity of MIS impacts also raises problems concerning the optimal strategy of social psychological research. The editors believe that MIS merits the knowledgeable awareness of those interested in the role of the social sciences in understanding and meeting social issues.