SpaceX reveals futuristic new spacesuit for humans to wear on Mars
- The new suits are called the extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit
- They will used for the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission
- It even comes with a 3D-printed helmet with a heads-up display
Published on May 14, 2024 at 11:50 AM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on May 14, 2024 at 5:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
SpaceX has just unveiled its groundbreaking new spacesuit for the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission.
During the five-day mission, the crew would be sporting the newly developed extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit.
The Polaris Dawn mission will be the first time the new spacesuits are used during low-Earth orbit.
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On its website, SpaceX wrote: “The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multi-planetary.”
The five-day mission will also include the first commercial astronaut spacewalk.
These spacesuits are basically upgraded versions of the Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suit used for the Dragon spacecraft missions.
According to the company, the EVA suit will also be used to build a base on the Moon and Mars.
The EVA spacesuits have made multiple improvements including improved mobility and a 3D-printed helmet with a new visor to reduce glare.
Even the helmet features a heads-up display (HUD) and a built-in camera.
The HUD will display the suit pressure, temperature, and humidity.
Compared to the bulky spacesuits of the past, the new EVA suits allow greater mobility and flexibility.
SpaceX’s new EVA spacesuit also ensures the crew’s safety during extravehicular activities, thanks to the added seals and pressure valves.
After being continuously delayed, the Polaris Dawn mission is finally targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2024.
The creation of the new EVA spacesuits also slowed the launch timeline.
During the mission, the crew will conduct research on the effects of spaceflight and space radiation on human health.
The spacecraft will also orbit Earth for up to five days, to set the record for the highest Earth orbit ever flown.
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Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
