The Evolution of SpaceX Spacesuits: From Crew Dragon to Polaris Dawn

👩‍🚀SpaceX's crew Dragon spacesuits, while not actual spacesuits, are advanced flight suits designed for launch and landing.

✨The sleek and tailored design of the SpaceX suits is a result of collaboration with a Hollywood costume designer.

🚀The current Iva suits used by SpaceX provide pressurization and temperature control during ascent and descent.

🔧SpaceX is developing an upgraded version of their Iva suit, called the Eva suit, for future spacewalks like Polaris Dawn.

☢️Radiation protection will be a crucial consideration for the Eva suits during missions like Polaris Dawn, which will reach high altitudes near the Van Allen radiation belt.

Are the SpaceX suits designed for spacewalks?

—No, the current SpaceX suits, called Iva suits, are not designed for spacewalks. They are pressurized flight suits specifically created for launch and landing.

What is the difference between Iva suits and Eva suits?

—Iva suits, or intravehicular activity suits, are worn inside the spacecraft during launch and landing. Eva suits, or extravehicular activity suits, are true spacesuits worn outside the spacecraft for spacewalks.

What is Polaris Dawn and why is it important for SpaceX's suit development?

—Polaris Dawn is a future mission by SpaceX aiming to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown. It will involve a spacewalk that requires an upgraded Eva suit, which will push the limits of SpaceX's suit design and functionality.

How does SpaceX ensure a precise fit for their suits?

—SpaceX suits are individually tailored for each astronaut. The precise fit allows for better range of motion and control, particularly in pressurized conditions. SpaceX's suits are fabricated at their headquarters in Hawthorne, California.

What considerations are being made for radiation protection in future Eva suits?

—SpaceX is exploring the use of materials like polyethylene, which contains a high number of hydrogen atoms, for radiation shielding. This material can be incorporated into the suit design to provide enhanced protection during spacewalks in high radiation environments.

00:00[Music] Elon Musk's SpaceX has defined the aesthetic of 21st century human space flight with their Crew Dragon spacesuits. While not actual spacesuits, they are highly advanced flight suits designed for launch and landing.

04:04The suit's sleek and tailored design is a result of collaboration with Hollywood costume designer Jose Fernandez, offering astronauts maximum mobility and control.

06:58The current Iva suits, also known as flight suits, provide pressurization and temperature control for astronauts during ascent and descent.

08:39SpaceX is developing an upgraded version of their Iva suit, called the Eva suit, for future spacewalks like Polaris Dawn. These suits will include features like umbilical connections and potential hand thrusters for maneuvering.

11:45Radiation protection is a crucial consideration for the Eva suits during missions like Polaris Dawn, which will reach high altitudes near the Van Allen radiation belt.