SUGGESTED New DESIGNS

A look at the spacesuits which could end up replacing the current crop

Starliner spacesuit Name of space agency/private

company: Boeing

key features 3 Lighter and more flexible 3 Soft helmet with zipper closure 3 Touch screen sensitive gloves

3 Mobility joints in shoulders and elbows 3 Dual-suit controller to maintain pressure

Z-2 spacesuit Name of space agency/

private company: NASA

key features

3 Hard upper torso

3 Made for wearing in space and on planetary surfaces

3 Rear-entry hatch

3 Bubble helmet for wide field of view 3 Carbon dioxide continuously removed

Modified Crew Escape Advanced Suit Name of space agency/

private company: NASA

key features 3 Based on Advanced Crew Escape Suit 3 Increased mobility in comparison and on planetary surfaces 3 Closed-loop system to preserve resources

3 Intended to support crews flying to the Moon or Mars 3 Full-pressure suit for ascent and entry during flight

Prototype eXploration Suit (PXS) Name of space agency/

private company: NASA

key features

3 Entered via the rear

3 Focused on improving suit fit 3 Seeking to minimise the amount of equipment needed 3 Can be customised with 3D-printed components 3 Compatible with suitports

Final Frontier Design IVA space suit Name of space agency/

private company: Final

Frontier Design

key features 3 Full-pressure Intra Vehicular Activity safety garment 3 For use in highaltitude emergencies 3 Includes breathing oxygen and ventilation gas 3 Has parachute interfaces and communications 3 Lightweight and inexpensive

SpaceX spacesuit Name of space agency/private

company: SpaceX

key features 3 One-piece pressure suit entered via the inseam 3 Needed in case of in-flight emergency 3 White and black design

3 Tall boots and motorcycle-style helmet 3 Intended for use on Crew Dragon spacecraft