I Tested NASA's New Spacesuit (feat. Axiom Space)

Summary

The video script details a behind-the-scenes look at the development of NASA's new spacesuits by Axiom Space for the Artemis III mission. The spacesuits, a critical upgrade from those used decades ago, are designed to allow astronauts to work for extended periods in the harsh lunar environment. The host, a civilian, experiences wearing a prototype suit, highlighting its features like the liquid cooling garment, the maximum absorbency garment (MAG) for waste management, and the suit's layers, including the bladder, restraint, and insulation layers. The suit's design is modular to fit a wide range of body types and is tested for various tasks, including a treadmill run and a squat, simulating lunar activities. The video emphasizes the suit's role as a personal spacecraft, essential for future space exploration and the interplanetary journey of humanity.

Takeaways

• 🌕 **Only 12 People on the Moon**: A small number of astronauts have walked on the Moon, all within a short span of 4 years.
• 🚀 **Return to the Moon**: There are plans for astronauts to return to the Moon to prepare for long-term living and future interplanetary travel.
• 🪖 **Spacesuit Upgrades**: The spacesuits used on the Moon have been outdated for decades and are now receiving significant upgrades.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **Diversity in Design**: New spacesuits are being designed to fit a wider range of body types, making space travel more accessible.
• 🔧 **Customizability**: The new suits move away from custom designs to a modular approach, allowing for adjustments for individual astronauts.
• 💰 **Cost Reduction**: The development goal for the new spacesuits is to reduce production and usage costs, making space exploration more economically feasible.
• 👩‍🔬 **Handmade Precision**: Despite technological advancements, many parts of the spacesuits are still handmade to ensure quality and precision.
• 🛡️ **Protection from the Elements**: The suits are designed to protect astronauts from extreme temperatures, radiation, and the vacuum of space.
• 👀 **Visibility and Aesthetics**: The suits' color and design are not just for show; they serve practical purposes like reflecting light and protecting against the elements.
• 🤝 **Collaboration with Prada**: High fashion brand Prada is involved in the final design of the spacesuits, indicating a blend of style and function.
• 🌟 **Inspiring Future Generations**: The new spacesuits are not just technological marvels but also serve as inspiration for future explorers and the public.

Q & A

How many people have walked on the Moon?

Only 12 people have ever walked on the Moon.

Why is there a need to upgrade the spacesuits for the Moon?

The spacesuits for the Moon haven't been updated in decades and are necessary for astronauts to survive and work in space, which is one of the most dangerous conditions a human can face.

What is the significance of the Artemis III mission?

The Artemis III mission is significant as it will see astronauts return to the Moon for the first time since 1972, and it will involve the first humans exploring the region near the lunar south pole.

What are the new requirements for the spacesuits being developed for the Artemis III mission?

The new spacesuits need to provide protection against extreme heat and cold, offer more flexibility and range of motion, fit a wider range of body types, and be sustainable and cost-effective for long-term use.

How does the lack of atmosphere in space affect a human body?

Without an atmosphere, there is no oxygen or pressure to keep the human body intact. The pressure difference can cause air to rush out of the body, leading to rapid blacking out due to lack of oxygen in the blood, and potential swelling as the boiling point of bodily fluids decreases.

What are the two main types of spacesuits?

The two main types of spacesuits are launch and entry suits, which protect astronauts in case of cabin depressurization, and extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, which are used when astronauts are outside the vehicle, such as on the surface of the Moon or during spacewalks.

How does the new spacesuit design aim to reduce costs?

The new spacesuit design aims to reduce costs by being maintainable on orbit or on mission, thus increasing its sustainability and reducing the need for frequent refurbishment. The goal is to decrease both the cost of producing the suits and the cost of using them in space.

What is the role of a spacesuit in space exploration?

A spacesuit provides an atmosphere for the astronaut, supplying oxygen and pressure, and protects the astronaut from extreme temperatures, radiation, and physical hazards such as cuts and punctures. It is essentially a human-shaped spacecraft.

How are the new spacesuits tested for functionality and safety?

The new spacesuits are tested in a suit test lab where various aspects of the suit, including its pressure, mobility, and life support systems, are evaluated. Astronauts also use training suits to practice movements and tool use in simulated environments.

What are the challenges astronauts face during an EVA, and how does the new suit address these?

Astronauts face challenges such as extreme temperatures, lack of atmosphere, radiation, and microgravity during an EVA. The new suit addresses these by providing thermal protection, a life support system, radiation shielding, and improved mobility to perform tasks in microgravity.

What is the process of designing and manufacturing a spacesuit?

The process of designing and manufacturing a spacesuit involves creating a 2D pattern from a 3D model, cutting the material with automated precision, and then hand-sewing the suit with extreme care for quality and safety. The suit is tested extensively before being used.