Pushing the Technology of the Spacesuit

This article talks about NASA’s pending search for new tailor’s to construct spacesuits to be worn by astronauts in the future on missions to the moon. NASA is looking for more flexible and durable suits to allow less constrained movement in space. A contract for the new tailor will be awarded in June 2008. NASA requires more multi-purpose suits for their astronauts by the 2015 mission to the international space station and an additional mission to the moon by 2020. Spacesuits must be constructed to protect crew from cabin leaks and allow astronauts to perform unplanned spacewalks. The suits must also be rugged and versatile to survive the weightless flight to the moon and multiple excursions. NASA stresses the importance of lightweight and comfortable suits which are easy to put on and off.
Currently NASA has supplies for 12 ensambles of its current model of spacesuit, the Extravehicular Mobility Unit, EMU. These spacesuits contain a hard shell for the upper torso, a helmet, mix-and-match arm, leg, and glove units, which are constructed to fit individual needs of the astronauts. These suits were designed only for short use in orbit and will not be durable enough to accommodate astronauts on lunar missions.
It is beneficial that NASA is attempting to develop the technology of spacesuits for their astronauts. A mission to Mars will require spacesuits much more advanced and durable than the current EMUs. Improving the technology will make the possibility for a manned mission to Mars much more likely.