"Only Men Going to Space?" 300 Billion Won Unisex Spacesuit Released

NASA, Designed to Fit 90% of Men and Women
Used in Manned Lunar Exploration 'Artemis III'

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled a new spacesuit to be used for humanity's return to the Moon. It was developed in collaboration with the private space company Axiom Space.

On the 15th (local time), NASA showcased a prototype of the spacesuit to be used for the 'Artemis III' mission at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA, according to local media reports. Artemis III is a project in which American astronauts will set foot on the Moon again after half a century.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The suit offers improved flexibility and insulation compared to when humanity first landed on the lunar surface over 50 years ago. This is the first time NASA has introduced a completely new spacesuit since 1981.

The spacesuit, which can be worn for up to eight hours, consists of multiple layers of fiber membranes, a life-support backpack, and a helmet equipped with lighting and a high-definition camera.

Jim Stein, Axiom Space's chief designer, who wore the spacesuit on stage that day, repeatedly bent and straightened his knees, squatted down and stood up, demonstrating the durability of the next-generation spacesuit he helped create.

However, one thing remains unchanged from previous spacesuits: the diaper. Russell Ralston, head of Axiom Space's exploration team, said, "We still use diapers in the spacesuit," adding, "Sometimes simplicity is best."

Axiom Space reportedly secured a total of $228.5 million (approximately 300 billion KRW) for the development of this spacesuit.

In 2019, NASA planned to send female astronauts Christina Koch and Anne McClain to the International Space Station (ISS), but just days before the launch, they were unable to provide spacesuits that fit the two female astronauts, resulting in male astronaut Nick Hague being sent instead.

NASA stated that the new spacesuit is designed to fit at least 90% of American men and women.

So far, all 12 NASA astronauts who have walked on the Moon have been white men.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "The new spacesuit will open opportunities for more people to explore the Moon and conduct new scientific experiments."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.