NASA has unveiled a new, next-generation spacesuit that promises to advance spacewalking capabilities in low Earth orbit and at the International Space Station. Designed and built by Collins Aerospace, in collaboration with ILC Dover and Oceaneering, the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuit is set to replace the aging Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) that has been in use for over 40 years.
The xEMU spacesuit is designed to fit a diverse range of astronaut sizes and provide a broader range of motion. It incorporates new technologies that are more efficient and durable than the current EMU design, and requires less maintenance. The spacesuit also uses advanced life support components, including oxygen supply, carbon dioxide scrubbing, electrical power, heat dissipation, and ventilation. Astronauts will wear a liquid cooling and ventilation garment under the spacesuit to regulate body temperature during spacewalks.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the partnership with Collins Aerospace represents the future of space exploration and the strength of American innovation. He added that the next-generation spacesuit will make it easier for every NASA astronaut to conduct critical spacewalks in low Earth orbit.
The xEMU spacesuit was chosen from the agency's Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract solicitation. The contract enables selected vendors to compete for task orders for missions, and additional task orders will be used to provide a full suite of services for NASA's spacewalking needs until 2034. NASA also selected Axiom Space to develop new spacesuits for astronauts to wear during the Artemis III mission, which will land humans on the surface of the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
Lara Kearney, manager of NASA's Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility program, said that while the current EMU design is incredible and has been an absolute workhorse for the Shuttle and Space Station Programs, NASA needs a new spacesuit for use on the space station. With a new spacesuit, the agency can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems.
The xEMU spacesuit is designed using fewer parts and will include easy-to-use features, minimizing astronaut training hours and reducing maintenance procedures. The high-mobility upper torso is adjustable to provide a better fit for astronauts and can be altered in flight. With the new spacesuit and system, NASA is one step closer to a replacement for the current design used by NASA astronauts for decades during space shuttle and space station missions.
This new spacesuit and system will support continued station maintenance and operations as NASA and its international partners live and work aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge for the benefit of people on Earth. The research also lays the groundwork for a long-term presence at future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and at the Moon through the Artemis missions.
Video: Next Generation Space Suit