Source: Global Times
【Special Correspondent Wei Yunfeng, Global Times】The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on the 26th that the "Artemis 2" lunar mission is in the final stages of preparation. The testing of the "Space Launch System" (SLS) rocket and the "Orion" spacecraft is progressing smoothly, and the key "wet dress rehearsal" may take place as early as January 31. According to current plans, the "Artemis 2" mission could be launched as early as February 6.
Axiom Space showcases a new generation of moon-walking space suit that can split its legs.
At the same time, the American company Axiom Space, which is developing the next-generation moon-walking space suit, has also released a new video showcasing the AxEMU space suit prepared for the "Artemis 3" moon mission.
The U.S. website "Fun Engineering" reported that NASA plans to launch the "Artemis 3" mission as early as 2027, marking the first time in over 50 years that astronauts will be sent to the lunar surface. At that time, two astronauts will walk and work on the moon wearing the AxEMU space suits. Unlike the extravehicular suits used on the International Space Station, the moon-walking suits need to have strong resistance to cosmic radiation and dust-proof sealing design, while also allowing astronauts to move for extended periods on the lunar surface, offering better flexibility. The new video recently released by Axiom Space shows the testing process of the new space suit. The company stated that compared to the A7L space suits used during the Apollo moon missions, the AxEMU space suit has many important improvements. Enhancing mobility is the top priority in the design of this space suit. Greater joint flexibility makes it possible for astronauts to squat, kneel, and pick up stones on the lunar surface - actions that were extremely difficult to achieve with the much stiffer space suits of the Apollo era. Axiom Space said: "The AxEMU space suit offers unprecedented mobility." As proof, the company also attached a photo of an astronaut performing a split in the new space suit.
At the same time, the weight of the new space suit is about 9 kilograms lighter than the Apollo-era moon-walking suits. Even in the low gravity environment of the moon, astronauts can clearly feel the reduced burden. This new space suit supports up to 8 hours of activity on the lunar surface, which is longer than the endurance time of the Apollo space suits (4-7 hours). The extended endurance time of the AxEMU space suit is due to a new backpack life support system, which improves the cooling and air supply systems, as well as the delivery systems for food and water. Other important improvements include the ability of the suit to withstand extreme temperatures at the lunar south pole and to protect astronauts from the abrasive lunar soil.
Axiom Space stated: "The development of these new generation space suits is an important milestone in further solidifying the United States' leadership in space exploration and helping us gain a deeper understanding of the moon, the solar system, and even more distant parts of the universe."
Original: toutiao.com/article/7600176060143026734/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.