Set for liftoff in 2018, the CST-100 spacecraft will be headed to the ISS with astronauts wearing a lighter, more versatile Boeing Starliner Spacesuit, which weigh in at just 12-pounds. That’s right, they are 40% lighter than its predecessor, and don’t require an external cooling system to boot. The gloves will also features touch-screen compatibility, but unfortunately, the suits aren’t designed to go outside the cockpit, as it is more of a precautionary measure against sudden cabin depressurization. Continue reading for another video and more information. Click here for a few bonus space facts, illustrations and images.
“The new Starliner suit’s material lets water vapor pass out of the suit, away from the astronaut, but keeps air inside. That makes the suit cooler without sacrificing safety. Materials in the elbows and knees give astronauts more movement, too, while strategically located zippers allow them to adapt the suit’s shape when standing or seated,” said NASA in a press release.
