Moving around in a spacesuit has always been a challenge for astronauts. The pressurization that keeps them safe also makes movement tough. Now, a new “exosuit” aims to make this easier. Developed during a recent space mission in Australia, this exosuit features artificial muscles. It’s designed to enhance mobility when astronauts walk on the moon or Mars.
Emanuele Pulvirenti from the University of Bristol, who worked on this project, mentioned that the hope is to boost astronaut performance and reduce fatigue during space walks. He stated, “This technology could lead to wearable robotic systems that support astronauts in challenging conditions” (source).
Exosuit research isn’t new; NASA worked on a similar suit, the X1 Robotic Exoskeleton, over a decade ago. The progress in technology influences each new generation of exosuits, making them lighter and stronger. Pulvirenti drew inspiration from his grandmother, a tailor, and used insights from skilled colleagues while developing this suit. It features layers made of nylon and thermoplastic for durability and is reinforced with Kevlar for added strength.
In October, Pulvirenti traveled to Australia to test his design at CRATER, a moon-like environment. This facility is part of a larger mission called the “World’s Biggest Analog,” which involves over 200 scientists from 25 countries. This global effort is aimed at simulating conditions on the moon while also improving training and research standards in analog missions (source).
At CRATER, the analog astronauts focused on testing the exosuit’s comfort and mobility during various activities like walking and climbing. Although this tech is still in its early stages, Pulvirenti sees potential for future tests aboard the International Space Station. He envisions that this technology could also help people with disabilities. “We want to create a hybrid suit that can support those in rehabilitation. It could switch between assistance and resistance modes, making a real difference in their lives,” he shared.
As we look forward, the advancements from projects like these might shape not just space travel, but everyday life on Earth, making mobility easier for everyone.
