The spacesuits that astronauts will wear when they travel to deep space inside NASA’s new Orion spacecraft are being evaluated now at Johnson Space Center.
The spacesuits are being tested to ensure astronauts will be able to effectively interact with Orion’s displays and control system while in-flight. While simulating missions inside a mockup spacecraft, engineers are researching how crews inside their suits will be able to maneuver Orion with the rotational hand controller and the cursor control device.
The spacesuits, known as Modified Advanced Crew Escape Suits, are being connected to life support systems and tested in a thermal vacuum chamber for performance. The suits are being designed to have all the necessary life support systems to facilitate spacewalks and support the crew in the unlikely event of spacecraft pressure loss.