Astronauts set to inhabit NASA’s Lunar Gateway space station will benefit from advanced health-monitoring technology designed to cope with the challenges of deep space. Developed by the Canadian company Hexoskin, these smart undershirts, known as Astroskin, promise to safeguard astronaut health by integrating sophisticated sensors and AI algorithms.
The Astroskin undershirts, tested on the International Space Station, require modifications to function effectively in the harsh conditions of lunar orbit. Hexoskin is tasked with redesigning these garments for the unique environment of the Lunar Gateway, which is located 1,000 times farther from Earth than the ISS. Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, co-founder and CEO of Hexoskin, emphasizes the significance of addressing radiation and communication challenges inherent to deep space missions.
Radiation exposure for astronauts can reach levels significantly higher than on the ISS, posing a considerable design challenge for the Astroskin’s electronic components. The technology was initially introduced in 2009, aimed at enhancing preventative healthcare on Earth. It employs six sensors to track vital signs, including heart rate and skin temperature, and continuously transmits data for analysis by AI algorithms.
The first round of testing occurred in 2019 with astronaut David Saint-Jacques, and the undershirts have since been worn in various high-stress settings, from simulated Mars missions on Earth to Antarctic expeditions. Fournier highlights the practical benefits, saying, ‘Everybody is wearing clothes every day, so a smart garment is a very natural thing to use.’
Hexoskin’s contract with the Canadian Space Agency involves integrating these wearables into astronauts’ routines during lunar missions. The goal is to gather critical data on how astronauts’ physiology responds to the conditions in lunar orbit, informing future space travel innovations.
Expected to be part of the Artemis 4 mission, the upgraded Astroskin could be on the Lunar Gateway by 2028 or 2029. The developments stem from Hexoskin’s initial goal to create a bio-monitoring device for astronauts in 2011. The company envisions broader applications for this technology, benefiting not only astronauts but also medical professionals and first responders on Earth.
Despite the challenges, advancements in smart garment technology reflect significant progress in space exploration. This innovation represents a stride towards ensuring astronaut safety and efficacy in missions beyond the Earth’s immediate environment.
As NASA prepares for deeper space exploration, Astroskin’s evolution underscores the innovation needed to protect astronauts in demanding environments. This technology not only promises to enhance the safety of space missions but also offers potential health monitoring solutions on Earth.
Source: Space
