posted 07-15-2013 07:21 AM
In a book I'm reading the glossary lists an EEAS (Electronic Elastomeric Activity Suit). It's described as a mechanical compression garment worn by astronauts that uses computer controlled compressible material to maintain near sea-level pressure whilst the wearer is in a vacuum.
Fact or fiction? If the former - anyone heard of it or knows how it works?
posted 07-15-2013 08:04 AM
I read an article some time ago in Popular Mechanics or one of those technology magazines about Mechanical Counter Pressure Suits using skin tight mechanically assisted materials to replace gas pressure suits that in theory can improve flexibility for future astronauts. I think MIT did some studies on the theory but I am not sure if NASA is actually working on the development of this technology.
kr4mula Member
Posts: 642 From: Cinci, OH Registered: Mar 2006
posted 07-15-2013 12:45 PM
The concept for the mechanical counterpressure suit has been around at least since the '50s, if not longer. The problem is getting them to work without being unbearably uncomfortable for the wearer. MIT has been working on this using new materials that will be much better than anything tried in decades past. I'm sure they're not the only ones, either.