NASA Picks 2 US Companies to Develop Next-Gen Spacesuits

pcmag.com:

NASA has tapped Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace to provide next-gen equipment for astronauts working outside the International Space Station, exploring the lunar surface, and prepping for missions to Mars.

The companies' contract(Opens in a new window), with a combined potential value of $3.5 billion, covers NASA's spacewalking needs through 2034—including development and services for the first demonstration outside the ISS in low-Earth orbit and upcoming Artemis III lunar landing.

"NASA and our partners will develop advanced, reliable spacesuits that allow humans to explore the cosmos unlike ever before," according to Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. "By partnering with industry, we are efficiently advancing the necessary technology to keep Americans on a path of successful discovery on the International Space Station and as we set our sights on exploring the lunar surface."

While design details have not been released, you can count on enhanced elements that will keep astronauts safe among harsh lunar and Martian conditions.

"Astronauts returning to the Moon and venturing beyond need a spacesuit that's as modern as their new missions," said former NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, a senior technical fellow at Collins Aerospace "The next-gen spacesuit is lighter, more modular, a better fit and easily adaptable, which means that wherever the journey into space may lead, our crew will be ready."

North Carolina-based Collins and Texas-based Axiom are responsible for design, development, qualification, certification, and production of equipment. But, having invested a "significant" amount of their own funds, according to NASA, the firms will own their spacesuits, and are encouraged to explore non-agency