Dutch company Mars One, has revealed on Tuesday their first concept for a space suit to protect humans who are going to venture on the Red Planet. According to the company, the Surface Exploration Suit (SES) includes features that will allow the scientists to work on the surface of Mars without being harmed by its harsh weather conditions.
"The SES functional baseline pressure suit is derived from the most recent pressure suit development work conducted by ILC Dover, and the baseline Portable Life Support System makes maximal use of local Mars resources (carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and oxygen derived from subsurface water ice) to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the crew member," said Barry Finger, Paragon Chief Engineer and Director of Life Support Systems in a press release.
Mars One contracted Paragon due to their specialization in engineering and manufacturing spacecraft life support, thermal control and portable life support systems.
Courier Mail said the materials used were similar to those used to build the space suits of those who have explored the moon, but it was enhanced to make it fit for Mars surface.
The first manned Mars mission which is to be launched on the first half of 2030 poses many challenges for the human explorers. Mars is infamous for its intense red dust on its surface. The surface of the Red Planet is rich of chemicals that are great for microbes and possibly toxic to humans.
"Anybody who is saying they want to go live on the surface of Mars better think about the interaction of perchlorate with the human body," Peter Smith, the Phoenix principal investigator at the University of Arizona in Tucson warned. "At one-half percent, that's a huge amount. Very small amounts are considered toxic. So you'd better have a plan to deal with the poisons on the surface."
The maker of the spacesuit admits that they have to work more to develop the spacesuit.
Other feature of the spacesuit includes a modular system that allows for individual parts to be easily 3D-printed and an impact resistant helmet with a see-through bubble.
Tech Radar said astronauts should be possible to put it on in 30 minutes without assistance, and 10 minutes with assistance. It would allow the astronomers to operate for at least eight hours before being required to recharge, plus at least 45 minutes of emergency life support.
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