New Spacesuits for Moon Missions

Introduction

• Only 12 people have walked on the Moon, all within 4 years.
• No one has returned for 50 years, but missions are planned.
• Astronauts will return to the Moon to prepare for long-term habitation and missions to other planets.
• New advanced spacesuits are being developed to support this initiative.

Spacesuit Development

• Existing Moon spacesuits haven't been updated in decades.
• New suits are being developed with improved functionality and safety features.
• NASA selected Axiom Space to build new suits for the Artemis III mission in 2026.

Artemis III Mission Plan

• Scheduled for 2026 with a four-astronaut crew.
• They will spend 6.5 days on the Moon, double the record duration.
• First humans to explore the lunar south pole, searching for resources like water and metals.

Requirements for New Spacesuits

• Must protect from extreme temperature variations: very hot in sunlight and extremely cold in shadowed regions.
• Need more flexibility and range of motion.
• Must fit a broader range of body types.
• Designed for longer durations outside the spacecraft.

Axiom's Prototype Spacesuit

• Testing and updating ongoing; crucial for astronaut safety.
• Spacesuits must provide a breathable atmosphere and maintain body pressure.
• Protect against temperature extremes and radiation.

Importance of Spacesuit Design

• Spacesuits are not merely clothing but human-shaped spacecraft.
• Two main types: launch and entry suits, and extravehicular activity (EVA) suits.
• EVA suits, or Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU), allow for outside exploration.
• New suits are designed for on-orbit or on-mission maintenance for sustainability.

Evolution of EVA Suits

• Originally designed for 14-day missions, needing refurbishing after each mission.
• New designs are more sustainable and cost-effective.
• Aim to bring space travel costs down and make suits cheaper to produce and maintain.

Hands-On Experience and Suit Mechanics

• Suits involve multiple layers for pressure, movement control, and insulation.
• Bladder layer holds pressure; restraint layer prevents ballooning and defines movement.
• Insulation layer protects against temperature and debris, final layer will be white for reflection.
• Most components are handmade, quality-controlled for safety.

Suit Components and Testing

• Liquid cooling garments: water-cooled undergarments to regulate temperature.
• Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) for waste management.
• Importance of proper fit and measurements.

Suit Usage Simulation

• Testing included walking on a treadmill, squatting, kneeling, and collecting samples.
• Suits are heavy on Earth (150-200 lbs) but feel lighter on the Moon due to lower gravity.
• Challenges highlight the complexity and ruggedness needed for lunar activities.

Future Implications

• New suits are modular, fitting a wider range of body types, reducing costs, and increasing accessibility.
• Aim to support long-term human presence on the Moon and future Mars missions.
• Highlight the collaborative and multidisciplinary effort in spacesuit design and production.

Final Thoughts

• Spacesuit design is crucial for the future of human space exploration.
• Emphasis on the team effort behind these technological advancements.
• Continuous improvements in suits are essential for the safety and capability of astronauts on future missions.

Note: Future suits will include contributions from fashion designers like Prada for aesthetic and functional improvements.