MIT working on spacesuit that feels like ‘second skin’

The MIT technology institute is working on a thin, light spacesuit that will fold around the astronaut like a second skin. When the spacesuit is ready, astronauts should be able to move better.

The researchers at MIT describe the spacesuit as a kind of ‘second skin’. The suit’s structure fits seamlessly to the astronaut’s body. The suit uses a material called shape-memory alloy. Normally it is soft, which makes it easy for the astronaut to put on the suit. However, the material has ‘memory’ and deforms when heated; small, spiral coils are built in for this. When heated, the suit conforms to the astronaut’s body, bringing it close to the skin.

In addition to a good fit, the suit has the additional advantage that the body of the astronaut is exposed to the right pressure. Outside the Earth, astronauts must be kept pressurized, just like the air pressure in an airplane, for example. Because the pressure is applied directly to the skin, no gas pressure is required, as is usual with conventional spacesuits.

According to MIT, there are still a number of issues that need to be resolved before the second skin spacesuit can actually be used. For example, a kind of ‘locking’ mechanism is being worked on, which should ensure that the suit remains tight. In that case, it does not have to be heated constantly and the astronaut does not have to carry large batteries with him. The placement of the coils is also being considered.

Besides as a spacesuit, the second-skin material can also be used in other circumstances. MIT cites military use; for example, the suit could automatically apply pressure when a soldier is injured, preventing the person from bleeding to death. It is unclear when MIT plans to release the suit.