NASA has opened online voting to choose the next spacesuit design for astronauts to wear during testing.
Working with spacesuit manufacturer ILC Dover and student designers from Philadelphia University, NASA engineers came up with three spacesuit patterns: "Biomimicry," "Technology" and "Trends in Society," NBC News reported.
The Z-2 suit will succeed the Z-1 and will also be the "first surface-specific planetary mobility suit to be tested in full vacuum," according to the Spacesuit Design Vote website.
While the suits won't necessarily be worn on Mars, they will be used in tests at the Johnson Space Center.
After the design is chosen, NASA engineers will use 3D human laser scans and other 3D technology to develop and size the suits for the astronauts, another first for the Z-2.
"We haven't had to design a spacesuit to operate in a surface environment since we went to the moon," Daniel Huot, a NASA spokesman at Johnson Space Center in Texas, told NBC News. "As you can imagine, a lot of things have changed, and this is going to incorporate the features that astronauts are going to be wearing when we go to Mars."
The three Z-2 designs all incorporate electroluminescent wires and patches, which will allow NASA engineers to track the astronauts' movements during testing. With a hard shell upper torso, the Z-2 will offer better protection and be easier to climb inside. Astronauts will don the suits through a port in the back.
The outer cover design is the part that will be selected through the contest. "Biomimicry," the first design, reflects the defense characteristics of deep sea creatures and reptiles with electroluminescent wire and dark colors that mimic scaly skin.
The second pattern, "Technology," mixes a classic look with futuristic qualities.
"By using Luminex wire and light-emitting patches, this design puts a new spin on spacewalking standards such as ways to identify crew members," the description reads.
"Trends in Society" is even more of a peek into the future: The sporty design is intended to reflect what everyday clothes could look like not too long from now. The suit's electroluminescent wire and colorful design are a nod to the rising Internet of things and wearable technology.
Voting started online on Monday, and the deadline to mark your favorite pattern is April 15. Go here to cast your vote.
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