Revolutionizing the Space Suit

Out-of-this-world fashion with function: clothing or accessories for earth or space wear!

Every space traveler – even the robotic ones – should feel? their very best during the journey, infused with the very best data and technology available. Earthlings can follow suit. Design a space data-tech-fashion wearable in the form of clothing or accessories that will collect or distribute data and technology in the following categories:

Design for Interconnectivity (staying more connected to team, community, and tools)

• enhance the work/life experience of humans and/or capabilities of robots  

Design for Health (biometrics, physical and emotional health, and/or environmental alerts)

• maintain or improve the health and well-being of the human
• provide early warning for unhealthy environmental factors (air quality, radiation, outgassing, temperature)

Design for Entertainment (sights, sounds, music, activity)

• enhance the human experience whether during work or play

Our solution suggests the use of controlled spacesuit which includes Automated Thrust, Augmented HUD Display, Self-Healing, Custom Fit Suits (Shape Memory alloys), 3D-Printed Protective Shell, Improved Insulation, Artificial Gravity, Adhesive Footing (Gecko Feet) and Movement Generated Power (Zinc Oxide Nano-wires) to revolutionize the current spacesuit and make previously impossible space exploration missions possible in the near future. Automated thrust will make the space walks easier, safer and more enjoyable for the astronauts on few clicks. Automated system includes a control system and hardware to control the movement of astronauts and engineers in space to make their work easier and harmless. Augmented HUD Display displays the necessary information in digital form on Helmet like the one used by F-16 Pilots. Self Healing material have the potential of replacing the multiple layers to defend against damages to suit, which can be fatal in space. Shape memory alloys can be used in EMUs for a squeeze suit: one that fits the wearer and would allow ease of movement for the user. 3D-printed protective shells to provide protection without restricting the astronaut's movement. To minimize bulk and keep the contact points between hard and soft materials comfortable. Silica aero-gels, consisting of about 95 percent air and having low density and excellent heat insulation properties, could insulate against severe temperature swings when out on a spacewalk. Gyroscopes produce a force when twisted that operates "out of plane" and can appear to lift themselves against gravity. A weave of carbon fiber and Kevlar which mimics the skin and tendon structure of gecko feet, gives the adhesive unprecedented strength—yet allowing it to easily peel away from surfaces. Zinc-oxide nano-­wires being developed at Michigan Technological University can convert movement into electricity. Embedding such piezoelectric wires into the fabric over knees and elbows could provide some percentage of electric power and extend the battery life of life-support gear.

1. MATLAB R2014b
2. Proteus 8.1
3. NASA 3D resources
4. Microsoft Visual Studio 2012
5. 3D Builder
6. PTC Creo 3.0
7. Microsoft Office 2013
8. MikroC
9. Virtual Serial Port Emmulator
10. http://spie.org/newsroom/technical-articles-archive/09-1000/0977-zinc-oxide-nanostructures-at-the-forefront-of-new-white-light--emitting-technology
11. https://www.cns.umass.edu/about/newsletter/may-2012/inspired-by-gecko-feet-scientists-invent-super-adhesive-material