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First all-female spacewalk cancelled due to lack of right-sized suits

David Szondy March 26, 2019

History's first all-female spacewalk has been cancelled at the last moment due to a problem with the spacesuits. The lack of two spacesuits to fit both women at the same time has forced the space agency to swap one of the team with a male astronaut.

Space

European astronauts practice moonwalks in anticipation of new lunar missions

David Szondy January 26, 2019

Fifty years after the first manned mission to the Moon, ESA is training a new generation of astronauts to work on the lunar surface. The new explorers are using simulated moonwalks in Spain to test a range of advanced electronic aids, new geological tools, and improved scientific protocols.

Space

Counter-torque system to pull astronauts out of a spin

David Szondy November 22, 2018

For both skydivers and astronauts, a spin can be a fatal mistake, so engineering firm Draper is working on an anti-spin device to bring them automatically back to stability. Using a network of sensors and gyroscopes,the new system detects a dangerous rotation and generates a counter-torque.

The anti-spin system is designed for astronauts and skydivers at extremely high altitudes

Space

Analog astronauts test water-hunting radar for future Mars missions

David Szondy September 20, 2018

Scientists from the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica's (INAF) Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali and the University of Perugia have developed a towable ground radar designed to look for water on the planet Mars that was tested by a team of analog astronauts.

The ScanMars radar unit was tested in the desert in Oman

Space

Prototype emergency spacesuits face first splashdown tests

David Szondy March 18, 2018

To help develop the next generation of both spacesuits and astronauts, non-profit research organization PoSSUM is preparing to conduct splashdown tests of a new commercial spacesuit, with the help of ten student and citizen scientist-astronaut candidates.

Testing spacesuits and training prospective astronauts in how to use them isn't easy – especially when ...

Space Feature

Fashion on the final frontier: The story of the spacesuit

David Szondy December 7, 2017

Suiting up for the final frontier isn't just about looks, it's about surviving and working in one of the harshest environments possible. So what exactly is a spacesuit, and what will the spacefaring fashionistas of the future be wearing?

Space

"Take me home" system automatically brings back astray astronauts

David Szondy December 5, 2017

It's a nightmare scenario. An unconscious astronaut on a spacewalk gone wrong floats off into deep space with no way to get back. To prevent this, engineering firm Draper has patented a "take me home" rescue system that allows a disabled astronaut to return to safety at the push of a button.

Space

Vibrating space boots could indicate ground obstacles in augmented reality

Nick Lavars September 19, 2017

Scientists at MIT and non-profit research lab Draper are developing a sensor-equipped space boot that uses vibrations to guide wearers around obstacles, and now they've added an augmented reality display to provide visual feedback as well.

Future explorers of Mars could receive visual cues to reveal nearby hazards

Space

Elon Musk provides first full view of Crew Dragon spacesuit

David Szondy September 9, 2017

In an Instagram post, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk released the full-view image of company's starkly futuristic spacesuit standing next to the Crew Dragon capsule with the comment, "Astronaut spacesuit next to Crew Dragon."

Space

Elon Musk shares first photo of SpaceX space suit

Ben Coxworth August 23, 2017

Once SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft starts ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station, what will they be wearing while onboard? Well, a little something like you see here.

The suit may be in use as soon as next year