NASA presented the latest generation of spacesuits that will be used to return to the moon

More flexible and resistant. So they will be New spacesuits worn by the Artemis III crew on the lunar surface A prototype was presented this Wednesday that shows significant improvements over those used in the Apollo program.

By the end of 2025, the crew of Artemis III, which will include the first astronaut to set foot on the moon, will reach the satellite’s south pole, where “extreme” temperatures and “hostile” environmental conditions will be recorded. In 21st century wear designed and manufactured by the company Axiom Space.

“These new suits have more features and capabilities”He said this Wednesday Vanessa WycheDirector of the NASA Johnson Space Center during a presentation and demonstration of a suit made by a private company based in Texas (USA).

For his part, Laura KearneyFrom NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Mobility on the Surface program, although the prototype presented this Wednesday is black – the idea is that it will be white for thermal reasons -, it will allow for more “mobility”. Astronauts.

“It was a service contract,” Kearney recalled “Historically, NASA has manufactured and owned spacesuits.” used in missions, but in the case of the Artemis III Axiom it will provide cases under a $228.5 million contract.

He said the space suit still has to pass tests measuring aspects such as safety, which will be carried out at the Johnson Space Center.

On this occasion, Axiom Space Chairman, Michael SaffrediniHe emphasized that these cases were the result of a strategic alliance between private enterprise and NASA’s expertise.

“We are continuing NASA’s legacy by designing an advanced spacesuit that allows astronauts to operate safely and effectively on the Moon,” Saffredini said in a statement, promising that the Artemis III suit “will be ready to meet the complex challenges of the lunar South Pole.” and “a long-term presence there.” Help on target.

“Our mission will open opportunities for more people to explore and conduct science on the lunar surface, and is a testament to American innovation,” the NASA administrator said in a Twitter message for his part. Bill Nelson.

“Gloves are an important part of the design,” he noted. Russell RalstonDeputy Director of Axiom Space’s Extravehicular Activity Division during a demonstration of the prototype by an engineer from the company.

Ralston explained that engineers have spent considerable time designing the gloves, and thanks to innovative technologies, they can handle a wide variety of tools.

A special effort is also made to create insulation layers in the space suit, including gloves and boots. Esther Marquis“For All Mankind” from the Apple TV+ series.

Consisting of “many layers,” the Axiom suit has a rear entrance through which crew members enter, and a greater number of joints in the legs and arms that provide greater flexibility compared to suits used 50 years ago. NASA Apollo missions.

The helmet has lights and a high-definition video camera, while a life support system that stores oxygen is located on the back of the astronauts.

The suit contains a collection of technical innovations, however, the astronauts who wear them could not exclude an indispensable element: diapers.

NASA seeks to establish a permanent presence on the Moon through the Artemis projectIts first mission returned to Earth on December 11 after a 25-day journey, during which time the Orion spacecraft orbited the moon.

The US space agency plans to launch Artemis II in November 2024, following the same route as its predecessor but with a crew to be announced on April 3.

(with information from EFE)

Continue reading: