New spacesuit 'could help astronauts' mobility'

Dr Emanuele Pulvirenti says the suit could help astronauts maintain muscle health in space

The inventor of a garment featuring artificial muscles says it could allow astronauts to move more freely in space.

Dr Emanuele Pulvirenti, a researcher at the University of Bristol, came up with the soft 'exosuit' which is designed to be worn under a main spacesuit.

Made up of fabric muscles that work automatically to assist movement in low-gravity environments, it is hoped the suit could reduce muscle fatigue for astronauts on future Moon and Mars missions.

Dr Pulvirenti said it could also eventually help people on Earth who suffer with mobility issues.

Dr Pulvirenti told BBC Bristol's John Darvall that he wanted to create the new suit after astronauts reported "being very uncomfortable".

Current spacesuits weigh about 80kgs and can "restrict mobility", he explained.

He said the idea behind the soft exosuit is that it can be worn under a spacesuit, and the artificial muscles will help astronauts "expend less energy" which can be an issue during space missions.

The artificial muscles in the suit consist of two layers: an outer nylon layer and an inner thermoplastic layer - a mouldable plastic - that allows the suit to be inflated.

Inspired by his love for human space exploration, Dr Pulvirenti said he created the first prototype with help from a family member.

"Fortunately my grandmother worked as a tailor and she was able to give me some advice," he said.

The suit has been tested in Australia at a simulated space mission but Dr Pulvirenti said he hopes to continue to develop the technology so it can one day be tested at the International Space Station.

"Our next goal is to create a hybrid suit that can switch between assistance and resistance modes as needed, which could be of great benefit for people in need of support with mobility going through physical rehabilitation," he added.

Dr Pulvirenti said patients recovering from injuries, or those with mobility issues, would also be able to benefit from the suit.

He said: "They would wear it as a pair of trousers, exactly how you would day to day, except it's got the artificial muscles on top that deliver extra force to help you with mobility."

He added he hopes to one day supply these suits to those who need them in partnership with the NHS.