Apparently NASA consulted Pixar and the 1950’s for futuristic space suit designs.
You probably know by now that NASA – and possibly other, private entrepreneurs – has its eyes on Mars as the new frontier for space exploration. As with all previous explorations outside Earth’s atmosphere, the technology involved takes a step forward each time. This time, the space suits will get a necessary makeover for enhanced functionality – and for the Z-Series, it’s mostly in the way of increased mobility via improved joint and waist-line architecture. NASA recently released images of the proposed suit designs and even hosted a poll for the public to vote on their favorite.
Because, when we get there, we want to look good!
The Z-Series has recently been on display as NASA’s new family of mission-forward – if not fashion-forward – space suits. In spite of their mildly retro/1950’s-era look, these suits are designed for the harsh atmosphere and terrain of the Martian landscape, i.e., lethally cold temperatures, noxious gases, and landscape like California’s Death Valley, but more volcanic.
The first in the series, the Z-1, is white with green highlights, slightly reminiscent of an animated movie character we all know and love. A large paddle-board-shaped area on the suit’s back, stretching from the shoulder blades up to the top of the helmet, is actually the entry and exit port. The suit remains outside of the vehicle when not in use. The futuristic space traveler slips down and out of the rover into the suit. It appears as though it might be a little trickier to get up and out of the suit upon return, what with gravity and all.
(Above left: The Z-1 is NASA’s next generation spacesuit, a prototype of which is pictured at the Johnson Space Center. Planned for use by astronauts as they travel to new deep-space locations, the next generation suit will incorporate a number of technology advances to shorten preparation time, improve safety and boost astronaut capabilities during spacewalks and surface activities. Below right: The Z-2. Images courtesy of NASA.gov)
Later models sport the fine, neon piping and a Y-shaped insignia on the chest. All models in the series, however, boast the fish-bowl style head gear so common throughout the history of space travel lore. With a pants-under-the-shorts style, these suits are made for both planet exploration and for space-walks outside of Mars’ atmosphere.
Keep it classy, NASA.
