NASA is developing a new next-generation spacesuit in collaboration with the American company Collins Aerospace. This suit was designed for use on the ISS to replace the current model used by NASA for over 20 years. The prototype of the new spacesuit successfully passed tests under conditions of weightlessness on a diving aircraft.

Weightlessness tests are carried out using special aircraft that rise to an altitude of approximately 7.3 kilometers. The pilot then changes the climb angle to 45 degrees, reaching an altitude of approximately 9.7 kilometers, and the aircraft begins to dive, creating a weightlessness effect that lasts approximately 20-30 seconds.

These flights allow engineers, scientists and students on board to conduct experiments in microgravity conditions, bringing them closer to outer space conditions. During the tests of the suit prototype in weightlessness conditions, its compliance with all system requirements and safety requirements was checked.

After the weightlessness tests, the next stage involves exposing the suit to a vacuum in a special chamber that simulates space. During this test, the behavior of the spacesuit in the environment will be tested.

Additional testing will be conducted at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. This laboratory is located in Houston and is a 13-meter deep pool in which conditions near microgravity are created. Astronauts train for spacewalks in this pool. When the developed spacesuit is fully ready for use, it will greatly increase the capabilities of astronauts in ISS maintenance missions.