In a significant advancement towards the development of new spacesuits for use outside the International Space Station (ISS), Collins Aerospace recently conducted a successful test of its prototype suit aboard a commercial microgravity flight. The milestone achievement now allows engineers to proceed with the critical design review phase.

Following 15 years of endeavoring to create new spacesuits internally, NASA made the decision to outsource the design of the innovative spacesuits to Collins Aerospace in 2022. Compared to the existing "enhanced" Extravehicular Mobility Units worn by NASA astronauts, the new suit developed by Collins Aerospace is lighter, has reduced volume, and offers greater flexibility for modification based on specific mission requirements. Furthermore, it boasts a remarkable capability to accommodate a wider range of body types, a significant improvement over the older suit designs that have remained largely unchanged for decades.

During the recent microgravity test, the prototype suit was subjected to "roller-coaster-like maneuvers," replicating weightlessness. This allowed the engineers to assess its functionality and maneuverability under such conditions. A video released by Collins Aerospace showcased the suit's ability to navigate through doors in a zero-gravity environment, demonstrating its practicality for extraterrestrial exploration.

Moving forward, Collins Aerospace plans to conduct additional tests to further evaluate the performance of the spacesuit. One such test involves placing the suit in a vacuum chamber to assess its functionality in the harsh vacuum conditions of space. Additionally, underwater tests conducted at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas, at a depth of 40 feet, will simulate microgravity environments encountered during spacewalk training.

The successful microgravity test marks a major step forward in the development of cutting-edge spacesuits that will be used for space exploration outside the confines of the ISS. With the support of Collins Aerospace, NASA aims to equip astronauts with state-of-the-art space apparel that offers improved mobility, versatility, and safety. The close collaboration between private entities and government agencies reinforces the industry's commitment to advancing space exploration technologies.

The next crucial phase, the critical design review, will assess the final design and engineering specifications of the spacesuit. As Collins Aerospace continues to refine its prototype, space enthusiasts and scientists eagerly anticipate its integration into future missions, further strengthening the foundation of human space exploration.