NASAâs Preliminary Model Of The Z-1 Spacesuit
Inspired by the human body, NASAâs designers from the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) have created an innovative Z-1 spacesuit. Its main aim is to replace the outdated version, which has been in use since 1992. The Z-1 has been designed to keep the astronauts cool while working in host environments, employing a special technology, based on the same principle as sweating, which keeps water membrane evaporation cooler.
Z-1 is not difficult to put on, it is made up of several elements that are flexible when uninflated. Itâs a hatchback or a rear-entry space suit. The âsuitportâ allows it to latch onto a spaceship, rover or habitat, giving up the need of an airlock. The spacesuit can withstand the temperatures of the Moon, Mars and asteroids.
At the present time the âZ-1 Prototype Spacesuit and Portable Life Support System (PLSS) 2.0â is undergoing vacuum testing at the Johnson Space Center. Hopefully the suit will sustain all the trials and will be worn in the planned manned mission to Mars in 2030.