NASA has unveiled a new design for spacesuits that will be worn by astronauts on future missions to the moon as part of its Artemis program. This program aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2025.
The moon may seem like an unlikely catwalk, but NASA has decided that an update to its iconic spacesuits was sorely needed. Astronauts who have worn NASA's suits in the past found it exhausting to work in them, as they had to deal with the demanding squeeze of the gloves and the limited mobility.
The new design is more comfortable and offers better mobility, with specific updates for moonwalking. The new helmet provides better visibility, and the boots have been insulated for the moon's South Pole.
NASA is continuing to test the suit in its custom 40-foot deep pool in Houston, Texas, which will give them a great indication of how mobile the suit is and what kind of fatigue the crew members may experience after working for several hours.
The outer layer of the new suit will be white, just like the suits that graced the moon's surface for the very first time.