SpaceX has introduced its latest advancement in space technology: spacesuits designed for extravehicular activities (EVA). The newly developed EVA suits are expected to be launched into low-Earth orbit by the end of this summer, marking a significant progression in spacesuits.
An advancement in spacesuit technology
According to Popular Science, these new suits represent a step forward from the current gear used in Dragon missions, which is only functional within a pressurized setting. The upgraded EVA suits are crafted for dual functionality, allowing astronauts to work both inside and outside their spacecraft with ease.
The Polaris Program’s website states, “At ~700 km above Earth, the SpaceX EVA suit will support the Polaris Dawn crew in the vacuum of space during the first-ever commercial astronaut spacewalk.” The website further details, “This suit is an evolution of the Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suit and includes enhancements like increased mobility, a cutting-edge helmet with heads-up display (HUD) and camera, advanced thermal management textiles, and materials sourced from Falcon’s interstage and Dragon’s trunk.”
These suits are part of SpaceX’s broader effort to enhance human spaceflight capabilities under the banner of the Polaris Program.
“Building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits. 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,” says Polaris.
The new EVA suits will be donned by the four-member crew of Polaris Dawn
The new EVA suits will be donned by the four-member crew of Polaris Dawn, the inaugural mission of the Polaris Program, slated for no earlier than the summer of 2024. This mission is poised to break new ground as the first commercial spacewalk and the first to have four astronauts simultaneously perform an extravehicular activity.
This mission will also test SpaceX’s Starlink laser-based communications systems, which are deemed essential for future lunar and Martian expeditions by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
SpaceX has tailored the EVA suits for inclusivity
The design of the EVA suits prioritizes mobility and inclusivity. The suits feature thermal materials and semi-rigid joints for ease of movement in varying atmospheric conditions, and the boots utilize heat-resistant materials akin to those in the Falcon 9 rocket.
The crew of Polaris Dawn will be equipped with 3D-printed helmets fitted with visors treated with a mixture of copper and indium tin oxide for anti-glare and antifog capabilities. During their spacewalk at approximately 435 miles above Earth, these helmets will provide crucial environmental data such as pressure, temperature, and humidity in real-time through an integrated HUD.
SpaceX has tailored the EVA suits for inclusivity, ensuring they can be adjusted to fit various body types as the company progresses toward making space accessible to a broader segment of humanity.
With the initial production aimed at outfitting the Polaris Dawn crew, SpaceX’s long-term vision includes scaling up production to support a future where humans live on multiple planets, with plans to eventually produce “millions” of these suits.
