In Texas, a new spacesuit developed for astronauts wanting to land on the moon was demonstrated.
NASA granted a $228.5 million contract to Houston-based Axiom Space to provide the costumes for the first moon landing in more than 50 years.
The space agency hopes to place two men on the moon’s south pole by late 2025.
A prototype of the specially made suits resembles the classic suits worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin almost half a century ago.
The suits are more flexible than before, with Axiom Space chief engineer Jim Stein demonstrating his ability to squat and twist at the waist.
According to NASA, the suits will also be available in a variety of sizes, with 90% of Americans being able to wear them.
The suit on exhibit was black, despite the fact that the finished product will be white to reflect heat and keep future moonwalkers cool.
It also provides additional protection from the hostile environment of the moon.
Life-support systems, pressure garments to aid with long missions, and avionics are also included in the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) suits.
NASA chief Bill Nelson said the new spacesuits “will provide chances for more individuals to explore and conduct science on the moon than ever before”.
The company stated that versions for NASA training purposes will be available later this summer, however the final version will differ.
Artemis I (NASA’s next-generation rocket) conducted a test journey around the moon and back to Earth in December, despite the absence of people.
Artemis II, with four crew members, might be scheduled as early as next year. If everything goes well, it will explore the moon’s south pole with Artemis III.
