Spacesuits are essential for survival beyond Earth’s atmosphere, acting as miniature spacecraft that shield astronauts from radiation, extreme temperatures, vacuum pressure and micrometeorite impacts. On the Moon, suits must also withstand the damaging effects of abrasive lunar dust, which can degrade materials and joints.
A good spacesuit must offer excellent mobility for tasks such as spacewalks and equipment repairs, be quick to don in emergencies, and include a life-support system to regulate air and temperature. Additionally, it must support the astronaut’s basic needs, such as hydration and waste management, during extended use.
Historically, spacesuit designs have varied widely. In 1962, the rigid Grumman suit was tested but proved impractical due to its limited flexibility. Other hard-shell suits like the aluminium ‘AX’ series were also too bulky and prone to joint failure, preventing them from being used in actual missions. Most operational suits have since relied on flexible composite fabrics, with rigid components restricted to vital areas like the helmet and torso.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring more advanced and durable materials, including self-healing fabrics suitable for long-duration Mars missions. One of the most innovative concepts is the BioSuit, developed by Professor Dava Newman at MIT. This futuristic suit uses stretchy fabric embedded with shape memory alloy coils that tighten around the body when activated by electricity. The result is a skin-tight, highly mobile suit that offers both functionality and a sleek design.
Another proposed design includes a FO-RO (forward and reverse osmosis) unit, which recycles urine into drinking water, echoing the concept of the Stillsuit from the sci-fi universe of Dune. While practical, it may not appeal to all due to its less-than-pleasant concept.
As space exploration advances under the administration of President Donald Trump, the evolution of spacesuit technology remains critical to ensuring astronaut safety and mission success, whether on the Moon or Mars.
