With the Boeing CST-100 Starliner set to take to space in 2018 Boeing have revealed that its passengers and crew will be more stylish and quite literally cooler than their predecessors.
The new Boeing Blue spacesuit will be worn by astronauts flying to and from the International Space Station. It features numerous innovations that improve both the comfort and protection for modern astronauts.
The spacesuit will be:
- 40% lighter than standard NASA issue (weighing in at only 12 lb (5.4 kg) rather than 30 lb (13.6 kg))
- Remove the hard helmet and neck ring associated with traditional spacesuits in favor of a smaller soft version secured by a zip
- Designed to be more comfortable to wear
- Use a modern integrated communications system in the helmet to keep the astronauts in touch with mission control and one another
- Have a soft helmet with a wider view thanks to a new polycarbonate visor which will give better visibility when pressurized.
The Boeing Blue is able to accomplish this as it is not intended for external spacewalks or exploring the surface of the moon. It will be used as an emergency suits like the bulky orange suits that Shuttle astronauts wore. The aim will be to protect astronauts in the event of a sudden cabin depressurization
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article subscribe to our mailing list to receive weekly updates!
Under the blue outer layer, the Boeing Blue uses a new layered fabric which gives the suit a more breathable design. This means that both the suit and boots will keep astronauts cool without requiring an external cooling system. Zips on the torso will also allow the wearer to move from sitting to standing comfortably.
Boeing also included a set of touchscreen-friendly lighter gloves which will allow the astronauts to use touch displays in space. Handy as Boeing’s Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft boasts wireless internet and tablet technology for crew interfaces.
Chris Ferguson, Boeing director of Starliner Crew and Mission Systems explained that “Spacesuits have come in different sizes and shapes and designs, and I think this fits the Boeing model, fits the Boeing vehicle”.
The suit will be used for Boeing’s Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft. It is developed in collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and is designed to accommodate seven passengers, or a mix of crew and cargo, for missions to low-Earth orbit. The Starliner has an interesting weldless structure and is reusable up to 10 times with a six-month turnaround time.
