What will the spacesuits of the future look like?

THE US space agency has announced the names of the two companies selected to develop the next generation of spacesuits for the International Space Station and Artemis moon missions. The challenge will be to design versatile models, suitable for all body shapes and sizes.

NASA has selected Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace to develop the spacesuits that will be worn by its future astronauts.

The idea is to develop a next-generation of equipment, the contract covering both spacesuits and spacewalking systems to work outside the International Space Station (ISS), explore the lunar surface on Artemis missions, and prepare for human missions to Mars.

The idea is to develop a new range of suits that are much more versatile than previous versions. NASA experts have already defined the technical and safety standards according to which these suits must be made. Above all, they will have to adapt to fit all body shapes and sizes.

Indeed, the forthcoming missions of the Artemis program should see the very first woman land on the Moon. She will therefore need a suit, which, if not made to measure, is at least an appropriate size and fit.

The spacesuits will need to be unveiled before NASA's first upcoming missions to the Moon, planned for 2025. The contract covers a period of performance though 2034.