Researchers from Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) are now developing a critical component called Smart Sensory Skin (S3) for the next generation of spacesuits that will help to keep astronauts more comfortable and happier during missions, thereby increasing their mission efficiencies.

Astronauts can easily suffer psychological problems from a number of factors such as insufficient exercise, excessive exposure to light, and lack of sleep. Whilst astronauts are unlikely to be aware of changes to the status of their mental health, with this S3 in Happy Spacesuit, emotional and physical deficiencies can be detected by the wireless sensors. A prompt response will be sent to make automatic adjustments and changes to the astronauts’ environment in order to meet their needs in terms of temperature, light exposure, light colour and oxygen level.

“One thing that is crucial for astronauts is their mental health during missions, and at the moment, unfortunately, there is no active, real-time solution which can provide help whenever they feel stressed or anxious,” said Dr Arman Sargolzaei, Professor of Electrical Engineering of Florida Poly. He added, “Immediate relief to their state of mind could then be provided through this technology in the spacesuits.”

Thanks to wireless sensors incorporated into the spacesuits, physicians on Earth can monitor astronauts’ health and wellness, including pulse rate, blood pressure and range and degree of joints movement. Unlike similar technology which is often uncomfortable and only allows the astronauts to take appropriate action after a physician has reviewed the passively collected data and made a recommendation, S3 is lighter and more active and ergonomic, and the reduced physical and mental distractions will lead to an increase in mission efficiencies. This innovatively designed project, in collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Prof Saman Sargolzaei, has won a grant from NASA’s Florida Space Research Programme for its continuous development with the beneficial purpose of making astronauts feel happier, safer, fitter and more productive.