posted 01-23-2017 12:38 PM               

Into the blue: Boeing's Starliner spacesuit and past blue astronaut wear

A new astronaut garb has grabbed attention for its distinctive blue color, but for those familiar with history, it shares the shade with spacesuits past.

The Boeing Company recently revealed its new pressure garment that NASA crews and commercial passengers will wear for flights on board its CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, starting as soon as 2018. The suit, which features Reebok-inspired footwear and touchscreen compatible gloves, was designed to be lighter and less bulky than prior launch and entry outfits.

And it is blue.

posted 01-25-2017 11:25 AM               

Starliner spacesuit is revealed for the first time

Future passengers on the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft now know what they'll be wearing as they travel to and from low-Earth orbit destinations, like the International Space Station. The new "Boeing Blue" spacesuits were designed to provide crew members with functionality, comfort and protection.

The Starliner spacesuit provides greater pressurized mobility and is about 40 percent lighter than previous suits. Its innovative layers will keep astronauts cooler as well. The touchscreen-friendly gloves allow astronauts to interact with the capsule's tablets while the boots are breathable and slip resistant. Zippers in the torso area will make it easier for astronauts to comfortably transition from sitting to standing.

In addition to protecting astronauts during launch and the return to Earth, the suit also helps connect astronauts to ground and space crews through the communications headset within the helmet. The suit's hood-like soft helmet sports a wide polycarbonate visor to give Starliner passengers better peripheral vision throughout their ride to and from space.

"Spacesuits have come in different sizes and shapes and designs, and I think this fits the Boeing model, fits the Boeing vehicle," said Chris Ferguson, Boeing director of Starliner Crew and Mission Systems and a former NASA astronaut.

posted 01-25-2017 01:44 PM               

Astronauts heading into orbit aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will wear lighter and more comfortable spacesuits than earlier versions. The suit capitalizes on historical designs, meets NASA requirements for safety and functionality, while introducing cutting-edge innovations.

posted 06-01-2022 02:04 PM               

ILC Dover Becomes a Provider of Ascent / Entry Spacesuits for Boeing's Starliner

ILC Dover, the leading provider of spacesuits since the Apollo era, today announced that it was selected to be one of two providers of Boeing's Ascent/Entry Suit (AES) for the company's Commercial Crew Program and has developed a bespoke AES spacesuit for CST-100 Starliner crews.

"We are proud to utilize our expertise to create a new AES for the Starliner spacecraft," said Patty Stoll, President of Space Systems and Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover. "Having worked with the Boeing team on the Starliner's landing airbags, which provide a safe, cushioned arrival to Earth from space, we understood the importance of delivering another quality product for this program."

The Boeing AES is based off ILC Dover's commercial Launch, Entry, and Abort suit, SOLTM. ILC Dover worked with Boeing to tailor SOL for the Starliner spacecraft to provide protection for astronauts during the most critical phases of spaceflight, including launch, docking, re-entry and landing. With over 50 years of spacesuit experience, the AES suit was designed to provide maximum mobility to operate, enter and exit the spacecraft, as well as provide protection for astronauts in case of an emergency.

"Our success is measured by those we've helped return to Earth safely for over 50 years of space travel and we will continue to provide spacesuits and soft solutions that will keep astronauts safe in the harsh environment of space," said Stoll.

Working with ILC Dover's in-house fashion designer, the cover layer of the spacesuit was designed with a unique look for Starliner crew members.

posted 06-15-2022 08:00 AM               

Boeing reveals new Starliner spacesuit with replica made by Adam Savage

A never-before-seen spacesuit is making its debut with the public opening of a new NASA exhibit, but its reveal is not the only surprise about the Boeing CST-100 Starliner astronaut outfit.

It was also made by a Mythbuster.

A replica of the second ascent and entry suit (AES) selected by Boeing for use aboard its new commercial crew spacecraft is now a part of "Gateway: The Deep Space Complex," a new attraction opening Wednesday (June 15) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The "Boeing Blue" garb was reproduced for the exhibit before any examples of the actual ILC Dover-designed spacesuit have been seen by the public.