SpaceX’s First Space Tourists Reveal Their Suits For Historic Mission
Image via Jared Isaacman
The world’s first space mission with an all-civilian crew is just around the corner, bringing humankind one star-studded step closer to making commercial space tourism a reality.
The four-person Inspiration4 crew—led by Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman who clinched a private deal with SpaceX for an exclusive spaceflight—will take off via a SpaceX Crew Dragon rocket in September for a three-day trip.
Now several months into their training, which has included a hike up Mount Rainier in Washington to build rapport, Isaacman has shared photos of the team in their spacesuits, Digital Trends reports.
As detailed by Design Milk last June, the uniforms are custom-fit for optimal comfort and protection. They’re roomy enough to house pressure-controlling valves and microphones, while the gloves are built to be compatible with touchscreens.
The spacesuits were designed by costume design firm Ironhead Studio’s José Fernández, who previously worked on outfits for Ironman, Black Panther, Men In Black, and more.
The all-civilian space crew includes Hayley Arceneaux, a 29-year-old physician assistant poised to be the first bone cancer survivor to travel to space, the youngest American to orbit Earth, and the first to head to orbit with a prosthetic body part. She will be joined by Dr Sian Proctor, a trained pilot nominated from an online business competition, as well as US Air Force veteran Christopher Sembroski.
Each member represents a pillar of the mission’s values: Leadership, Hope, Prosperity, and Generosity.
Through the spaceflight, the Inspiration4 crew aims to raise awareness for the lifework of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is raising US$200 million to fund the discovery of cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Half the amount was donated by Isaacman himself, and he hopes that others will contribute what they can to reach this goal.
Another week of training wrapped up @SpaceX for the @inspiration4x crew. We all got suited up 👍 Lots of academics, simulations & plenty of 💉🩸donations in the interest of science & a variety of medical training too. Back again real soon. pic.twitter.com/xwZD44LSm2
— Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) June 22, 2021
[via Digital Trends, images via Jared Isaacman]
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