As space programs in the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, China and India, and in private space companies, take the next steps into space, a more functional and economical space suit is needed. The rigid, gas-pressurized suits developed for NASA over the last 45 years are heavy, bulky and severely limit mobility. Fortunately, specialized knowledge of human physiology, improved fabrics and advanced textile manufacturing techniques allow for the development of an entirely new garment for space explorers. This garment will enable the exploration of the Moon and Mars as called for in NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration.
The Webb Elastic Garments Group has been formed to develop a prototype pressure suit that is significantly lighter and more flexible than the NASA design. The new garment will be more comfortable, provide vastly improved mobility, weigh less than a third of the conventional suit and require far less storage space. Starting from recent work with an early prototype, the company will develop a full, functional elastic suit using advanced textile technology. The plan is to demonstrate new space suit to likely users in two years.
The development team includes three physiologists with extensive experience in space and undersea medicine, environmental physiology, protective clothing and bioengineering. The team also includes an expert in textile technology with experience in materials and manufacturing methods.
Because of their affiliation with major research universities, the development team has access to the sophisticated research and testing equipment, including a high altitude chamber, which is necessary to develop and show off the newly developed garment.
This new suit development needs doing. To overcome resistance in the space suit establishment, we are seeking private investment to be able to demonstrate a compellingly persuasive elastic suit.
