Collins Aerospace Unveils Exciting Breakthrough in Next-Gen Spacesuit Technology
Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX, in collaboration with partners ILC Dover and Oceaneering, has finalized the Crew Capability Assessment evaluation, a pivotal phase in the development of its cutting-edge spacesuit for the International Space Station, under NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services, often referred to as xEVAS.
The Collins team verified the suit’s performance in a simulated zero-gravity environment aboard an aircraft, executing a series of demonstrations carried out by seasoned former NASA astronauts. The main goals of the flight evaluation encompassed assessing the suit’s pressure garment system for fit and functionality, utilizing tools and interfaces from the International Space Station, and comparing the effectiveness of the new Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or EMU, against the existing design.
“The evaluation offered us the chance to scrutinize specific design objectives that can accommodate a diverse range of crew member sizes and tasks within a controlled setting,” remarked Peggy Guirgis, general manager of Space Systems for Collins Aerospace.
“ILC Dover’s pressure garment innovation utilizes decades of expertise to accommodate more astronauts than ever, assuring the comfort and safety of the next wave of space adventurers,” stated Rob Reed, president of Space & Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover. “The successful evaluation indicates that we are one step closer to sustaining human existence in space with the most sophisticated spacesuit to date.”
Collins’ next-gen suit is designed to be lighter and more compact than NASA’s existing spacesuit. Its open architecture makes it easily adaptable to evolving mission requirements or technological advancements. The company has consulted with both current and former astronauts to inform engineering and design decisions.
Leading up to a pivotal design review, further assessments are planned, including a thermal vacuum evaluation and an underwater assessment to be conducted at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas.
