NASA Asks People To Vote For The Next Spacesuit Prototype Design

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has asked people to vote for the best design for the Z-2 spacesuit platform. The Z-2 suit is the newest member of its Z-series spacesuit platform and the follow-up to the Z-1 suit which was named as one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2012. The Z-2 is the first spacesuit platform which makes use of 3D human laser scans and 3D-printed hardware for development and sizing of the suit. Thanks to this technology the spacesuits will now fit better. Impact resistant composite structures have been fitted in the suit’s upper and lower torso system and a resizable hard upper torso structure adds more rigidity to the spacesuit. This will be the first surface-specific planetary mobility suit that shall be tested in full vacuum.


Since the Z-1 suit design managed to gain good response from the public thanks to its Buzz Light-year inspired design, NASA is trying to build the Z-2 with even more eye-catching designs. They have sought the help of ILC and Philadelphia University to create the following designs and have asked the general public to vote for the best design.

The first design is called ‘Biomimicry’. The design combines design elements from bioluminescent qualities of aquatic creatures and scaly skin of fish and reptiles. It includes segmented pleats at the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. Electroluminescent wires that run across the upper torso are revealed in low light.


The second design is called ‘Technology’ and seems to have been derived from the Tron movie series. The one uses Luminex wire and light-emitting patches which will help distinguish every crew member during space walks. The design incorporates exposed rotating bearings collapsible pleats and abrasion resistant panels.


The third and the final design is called ‘Trends in Society’ and tries to emulate the kinds of clothes we earthlings would be wearing in the near future. The electroluminescent wire, bright colour schemes are reminiscent of sportswear. The design includes gore plates with contrast stitching, exposed bearing at the hip and varying designs across the upper and lower torso.


As you have already gone through the designs we would like you to take a few seconds and head over to the #-Link-Snipped-# to vote for your favourite design on or before 30th April 2014.

Source: #-Link-Snipped-# via NASA wants you to choose its next spacesuit from three weird designs - The Verge