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 SpaceX’s high-tech suit infographic
Graphic shows specifications of SpaceX's new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit.
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SPACE

SpaceX tests new high-tech suit for first private spacewalk

By Jordi Bou

August 26, 2024 - SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission is set to launch four astronauts on a five-day flight to attempt the world’s first private spacewalk. The mission will be a major test of SpaceX’s new spacesuits.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft will launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral not earlier than August 26.

After reaching the highest orbit flown by a Dragon – 1,400km – the capsule will descend to a 700-km cruising orbit where the astronauts will attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

This will test SpaceX's newly developed spacesuits, formally called Extravehicular Activity (EVA), which feature heads-up displays, helmet cameras and thermal management textiles.

The new uniform is described as an evolution of the spacesuits currently worn by astronauts aboard Dragon missions, which are designed solely for remaining within pressurized environments.

While making history outside their Dragon capsule, the crew will be the first to test Starlink laser-based communications systems that SpaceX believes will be critical to future missions to the moon and eventually Mars.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 22/08/2024; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: SpaceX
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