We still don’t know if there’s life on Mars, but, thanks to Virgin Galactic and Under Armour, we do know what private astronauts will be wearing if they ever get a chance to visit the Red Planet and find out.
Unveiled this week, the world’s first commercial spacesuit was designed using input from astronaut trainers, pilots, doctors and stylists and is constructed from lightweight flight-grade fabrics that were rigorously tested in laboratory conditions that replicated all the stages of spaceflight.
Each spacesuit will be personally tailored for each astronaut to ensure a good fit and further personalized with stitched country flags and name badges.
“At Under Armour, we pride ourselves on always getting better and leaning into innovation to drive progress for our athletes, but few things can prepare you for a project as challenging and exciting as this one,” said Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. “Spaceflight is a unique and demanding regime and requires a different approach. What we’ve engineered utilizing our key technologies will define the future of spacewear and puts us at the forefront of this history-making event.”
Here’s a more in-depth look at the suit:
“Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age; our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked,” said Sir Richard Branson. “Requirements for astronaut spacewear as we enter the second space age are evolving, but the design challenge has not diminished. We were delighted when Kevin and Under Armour stepped up to this task and they have surpassed our expectations. I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space.”
Virgin Galactic’s commercial spaceflights are currently expected to commence in 2020 with tickets on the six-person spacecraft costing as much as $250,000 per person.
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