Space & Astronomy

Mars one reveals modular space suit concept

By T.K. Randall
November 16, 2016

Image Credit: (PD) NASA via Wikimedia Commons Surviving on the surface of Mars is no easy task and as such, designing a suit that is up to the challenge is vital if the firm is to ever make good on its plan to send colonists to live there.

The new space suit concept, which features a bubble-like helmet, is comprised primarily of modular components that can be easily replaced, even on Mars, via 3D-printing.

The designers worked on developing a suit that can be put on without assistance within the space of 30 minutes and that can operate independently for at least 8 hours without having to be plugged in.

We're pleased to present the Conceptual Design Assessment of #MarsOne's Surface Exploration Suit by @ParagonSDC: https://t.co/ArguV75WEG pic.twitter.com/tWDP6E9bQ2

— Mars One (@MarsOneProject) November 15, 2016

Offering 45 minutes of emergency life support, the suit can also cope with a wide range of surface temperatures and there are also plans to have it protect the wearer against solar radiation as well.

Whether a suit like this will actually see use anytime soon however remains unclear, especially given the controversy surrounding the overly-ambitious nature of Mars One's schedule.

While things have been pushed back a bit, the company is still planning on sending colonists to live on Mars by 2026 - that's just six years after sending their first robotic lander in 2020.

The difficulties inherent in undertaking such a mission so soon are practically insurmountable.

Source: Tech Radar

Tags: mars One, Space Suit