For generations, astronauts have shared their challenges with mobility in spacesuits. The pressurization necessary for space travel provides essential protection but also creates significant resistance, making movement cumbersome. However, a groundbreaking new exosuit, tested during a recent two-week space analog mission in Australia, aims to revolutionize how astronauts navigate in space environments. This mission, organized by the Austrian Space Forum, showcased the potential of this advanced garment, designed to be worn underneath traditional spacesuits.
The innovative exosuit incorporates artificial muscles that enhance mobility, allowing astronauts to walk more easily on the moon or Mars. Emanuele Pulvirenti, a research associate at the University of Bristol and the suit’s creator, expressed optimism about how this technology could significantly improve astronaut performance and reduce fatigue during extravehicular activities. He emphasized that this advancement could pave the way for future wearable robotic systems in space exploration.
Exosuit technology is not a novel concept. NASA previously developed the X1 Robotic Exoskeleton, an Iron Man-type suit, over a decade ago, while Sarcos created the prototype XOS exoskeleton for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) back in 2007. Each iteration of exosuit technology aims to become stronger and lighter, and Pulvirenti drew inspiration from past designs, consulting with his grandmother, a tailor, and his colleagues at Vivo Hub in Bristol during the development process.
The exosuit's design features two layers: an outer layer made from nylon and an inner layer crafted from thermoplastic to ensure it is airtight. Additionally, Kevlar is utilized in the knee straps and waistband to provide tension resistance and strength. In October, Pulvirenti traveled to Australia to test the suit in a unique research environment known as CRATER, which stands for Covered Regolith Analogue Terrain for Experimental Research. This facility, co-hosted by the University of Adelaide and ICEE.Space, simulates lunar conditions, including the distinctive lighting experienced over a lunar day.
During the mission from October 9 to October 22, the analog astronauts tested various aspects of the suit, including comfort, mobility, and biomechanical properties while engaging in activities such as walking, climbing, and carrying items. This mission was notable not only for its local focus but also for its global reach, with a mission control in Austria coordinating efforts from around 200 scientists across 25 countries. This initiative, dubbed the World's Biggest Analog, represents the largest simulation of its kind to date.
As mission managers strive to elevate the professionalism of analog missions, they are introducing additional training requirements and encouraging extensive research publication initiatives. Pulvirenti expressed a desire to see the exosuit tested on the International Space Station before its anticipated retirement in late 2030. His vision extends beyond space application; he aims to develop a hybrid suit that can switch between assistance and resistance modes, which could greatly benefit individuals with disabilities during rehabilitation.
In summary, the development of this innovative exosuit represents a significant step forward in enhancing astronaut mobility for future space missions. With ongoing advancements and tests, the exosuit could not only transform space exploration but also offer practical solutions for those requiring mobility assistance on Earth.
