Spacesuit design vote

NASA launched an online survey to vote the best space suit among three concepts, leaving it up the public to choose which of three candidates will be built.

NASA’s Z-2 Suit is the newest prototype in its next-generation spacesuit platform, the Z-series.

As a follow-up to the previous Z-1 suit, the Z-2 takes the next step in fidelity approaching a final flight-capable design.

After the positive response to the Z-1 suit’s visual design, Nasa’ engineers wanted to take the opportunity to provide this new suit with an equally memorable appearance.

Spacesuit design vote — NASA's 2012 Z-1 Spacesuit

The cover layer of a prototype suit is important as it serves to protect the suit against abrasion and snags during the rigors of testing. With the Z-2, they are looking forward to employing cover layer design elements never used in a spacesuit before. The designs shown were produced in collaboration with ILC, the primary suit vendor and Philadelphia University. The designs were created with the intent to protect the suit and to highlight certain mobility features to aid suit testing. To take it a step further, NASA is leaving it up the public to choose which of three candidates will be built.