Spacesuit Design, and You Get to Vote!
NASA, in collaboration with ILC and Philadelphia University, has designed three different cover layers for its new spacesuit prototype, Z-2. NASA is having the public decide which of the three designs will actually be built. Voting is open through April 15, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Option A: The “Biomimicry” design draws from an environment with many parallels to the harshness of space: the world’s oceans. Mirroring the bioluminescent qualities of aquatic creatures found at incredible depths, and the scaly skin of fish and reptiles found across the globe, this design reflects the qualities that protect some of Earth’s toughest creatures. The design specifically includes segmented pleats at the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee, and electroluminescent wire across the upper torso, which becomes apparent in reduced light.
Option B: “Technology” pays homage to spacesuit achievements of the past while incorporating subtle elements of the future. By using Luminex wire and light-emitting patches, this design puts a new spin on spacewalking standards such as ways to identify crew members. The design specifically includes electroluminescent wire and patches across the upper and lower torso, exposed rotating bearings, collapsing pleats for mobility and highlighted movement, and abrasion resistant panels on the lower torso.
Option C: “Trends in Society” is based off of just that: being reflective of what every day clothes may look like in the not too distant future. This suit uses electroluminescent wire and a bright color scheme to mimic the appearance of sportswear and the emerging world of wearable technologies. The design specifically includes gore pleats with contrast stitching throughout to highlight mobility, an exposed bearing at the hip, and electroluminescent wire and patches of varying styles across both the upper and lower torso.
NASA expects to have a fully built Z-2 suit by November 2014. The Z-series is still in the prototype or non-flight phase, but NASA will be conducting multiple vacuum chamber tests, including one series at full vacuum to mimick the lack of atmosphere found in outer space. The suit will be tested at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), the huge indoor pool NASA uses to train every astronaut in the technique of spacewalking. Further testing at a rocky Martian surface analog site at the Johnson Space Center along with other settings will help evaluate mobility, comfort and performance of the suit. Ultimately, all of these tests will guide NASA in designing the next suit in the Z-series.
Review the three concepts and make your selection. Remember, voting is open through April 15, 2014 at 11:59pm EDT. Cast your vote, and share your picks with us! @scifi4me #Z2Suit4Me
