Virgin Galactic and Under Armour this week unveiled an exclusive spacewear system for private astronauts.
Revealed this week at an indoor skydiving arena in New York, the custom-designed outfit features a base layer, spacesuit, footwear, training suit, and limited-edition jacket.
With a focus on safety, the ensemble was created with input from doctors, astronaut trainers, pilots, clothing designers, engineers, and, of course, future customers.
The sleek spacesuit—boasting deep-space hues, “atmospheric” elements, and “pops of gold”—is made from lightweight flight-grade fabric.
The design of astronaut apparel is a unique combination of comfort and utility (via Virgin Galactic/Under Armour)
It integrates push-to-talk communication systems, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking fibers, and cushioning at the elbows, knees, shoulders, and neck.
Wearers will also find a removable mission patch, a home-country flag, a clear pocket (above the heart!) for a photo of loved ones, and zippered pockets to stow personal items.
There is even a space inside the suit where each customer can record their “personal mission.”
Underneath, the second-skin base layer—which looks like something you’d see a well-heeled runner sporting—claims to enhance performance and blood flow in zero gravity.
“Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age; our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked,” Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson said in a statement.
Each outfit will be personally tailored to the space explorer, in hopes of avoiding cosmic snafus.
The system will be worn by Virgin Galactic mission specialists on board VSS Unity’s crewed test spaceflights, prior to commercial flights—currently expected to commence next year.
“Requirements for astronaut spacewear as we enter the second space age are evolving, but the design challenge has not diminished,” according to Branson. “I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space.”
Country flags and name badges build on traditions of the past (via Virgin Galactic/Under Armour)
Two months after its inaugural flight, Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity left Earth’s atmosphere again in February—reaching its highest speed and altitude to date.
Next time, the crew will do it in style.
“Our team delivered a unique twist on the classic spacesuit utilizing both existing and new UA technologies to define space gear for the future,” Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank said.
The big reveal comes only days after NASA introduced new Artemis Generation spacesuits designed to keep astronauts comfortable and safe on the Moon’s surface.
More on Geek.com:
- Virgin Orbit to Launch FIrst Commercial Cubesats to Mars
- Virgin Galactic Unveils Luxurious Lounge for Space Tourists
- Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Acquires VSS Unity Rocket Motor
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