NASA‘s new and upcoming spacesuit is called Z-2 spacesuit. The agency chose three possible designs for the outer shell of its Z-2 spacesuit and requested general people last month to cast their vote for their favorite spacesuit out of those three. And finally, based on the votes, NASA has revealed its Z-2 spacesuit design.
There were three designs of the Z-2 spacesuit – Biomimicry, Technology and Trends in Society (or you could say normcore). The designs weren’t that different, mostly varying in color scheme.
All the spacesuits featured electroluminescent trim and geometric chest emblems. Here are a brief description of the spacesuits.
Biomimicry
This suit draws from an environment with many parallels to the harshness of space. 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.
Technology
It 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.
Trends in Society
It is reflective of what every day clothes may look like in the not too distant future. This suit uses electroluminescent wire and a bright colour 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.
However, NASA has revealed that 63 percent of voters (147,354 votes) have chosen the aqua-blue enhanced “Technology” design, which resembles the costumes in the classic sci-fi movie Tron.
NASA has mentioned that the (Technology) spacesuit will be released in the fall. But the very interesting thing is this spacesuit will be used in training and ground tests as a prototype, but not in actual space.
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