7 differences between SpaceX and NASA spacesuits

Evolution is a fundamental part of being human. Life is built around humanity’s capabilities to advance and create a better scenario for its existence and preservation. Among all that we seek to explore is astronomy, that activity full of experimentation and space suits that look like they came out of an action movie.

Not long ago, American cinema began to explore the striking settings and futuristic suits with which astronauts would arrive in space. The imagination had no limits and, really, it still does not have them.

Recently, the space technology company SpaceX, belonging to Elon Musk, was in charge of developing together with NASA an ambitious project that would once again lead to two astronauts to travel through space to reach the International Space Station.

Far from the spectacle of a space rocket launch, during the first attempt to launch the Crew Dragon In the Falcon 9 rocket, other very striking elements also stood out and, in our opinion, very futuristic: space suits.

A very SpaceX space style

It’s not every day that you get the chance to go on a rocket ship trip, and if one day you do, why not wear the latest in alien fashion? Elon Musk has stood out as a versatile inventor eager to lead humanity into a multi-planetary era, and his recent project with NASA showed that, on the surface at least, he has already conquered the future.

The spacesuits designed by José Fernández, a renowned Hollywood designer, have a futuristic sci-fi style that is a far cry from the robust suits previously designed by NASA.

Musk’s objective was, of course, to create something that anyone could wear and that would look good, in addition to considering all the safety specifications to protect the lives of astronauts. In this way, not only the design of the suits is something different, technology was also applied that makes this trip through space more attractive.

7 differences between SpaceX and NASA spacesuits

  • The SpaceX suit has tactile gloves that allow you to interact with the capsule’s screens.
  • The helmet has an integrated microphone system for communication.
  • It can only be used intravehicularly, that is, astronauts cannot go out with it.
  • The design, although minimalist, protects the astronauts from any emergency inside the capsule, for example, depressurization.
  • The suit maintains a single point of connection to the pod for life support.
  • The helmet visor has an automatic retractable system.
  • The entire set is resistant to flames and lighter, with the aim of facilitating the tasks of the astronaut inside the capsule.
  • The first feature is that the suits are already suitable for both men and women. After all, we don’t want one to be cancelled. spacewalk due to lack of diversity in design.
  • The second feature is that both suits withstand temperatures down to -150°.
  • SpaceX’s is designed to keep an astronaut alive for 6 days
  • They have interchangeable parts to adapt to the activities of the astronaut.
  • They can be used on the surface of a planet or in spacewalks.
  • Astronauts can enter the suit through a hatch, without having to put on piece by piece.
  • It has two visors in case one is damaged by dust particles.
  • Although the differences seem to be only physical, the SpaceX and NASA suits stand out for the use of technology in its greatest splendor. In this case, the missions are very different, and each of the characteristics of both space suits depends on that.

    While suits have always been a big draw on NASA missions, SpaceX demonstrated that a new era of astronomy is about to begin, one where prior knowledge is mixed with experimentation. Everything to get to know other worlds.

    Keep reading: The changes that women experience in space (period, hormones and more)

    It might interest you