To infinity and beyond: NASA's next generation spacesuit
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Life imitating art. (NASA/Disney/Pixar)
The Z-1 is NASAs next generation spacesuit, a prototype of which is pictured at the Johnson Space Center. (NASA)
The Z-1 is planned for use by astronauts as they travel to new deep-space locations. (NASA)
The next generation suit will incorporate a number of technology advances to shorten preparation time, improve safety and boost astronaut capabilities during spacewalks and surface activities. (NASA)
The Advanced Space Suit team of the NASA-Johnson Space Center performed a series of test with the Z-1 prototype space suit in 2012. (NASA)
The purpose of the tests were two -fold: 1) characterize the suit performance so that the data could be used in the downselection of components for the Z -2 Space Suit and 2) develop interfaces with the suitport and exploration vehicles through pressurized suit evaluations. (NASA)
Tests performed included isolated and functional range of motion data capture, Z-1 waist and hip testing, joint torque testing, CO2 washout testing, fit checks and subject familiarizations, an exploration vehicle aft deck and suitport controls interface evaluation, delta pressure suitport tests including pressurized suit don and doff, and gross mobility and suitport ingress and egress demonstrations in reduced gravity. (NASA)