Университет Чичестера начал международные испытания прототипа скафандра для лунных миссий

A university is reaching for the stars through its new collaboration on space research. The University of Chichester’s Occupational Performance Research Group (OPRG) has partnered with King’s College London’s Spacesuit Physiology Laboratory and Nåva Space on an international study to test a prototype spacesuit for use in simulated lunar exploration tasks. The suit, designed by Nåva Space, aims to improve astronauts’ field of view and reduce cognitive demands during extravehicular activities (EVAs). Marcus Peach, data collection lead at OPRG, said: "Space is arguably the most extreme environment that humans perform in, as even the smallest mistake, a stumble or a missed hazard, can have severe consequences to both mission success and astronaut safety. "When we were designing this study, we knew from the outset that it had to combine physiological, cognitive and occupational relevant aspects." The study measured how the suit affected obstacle avoidance, geological feature identification and manual dexterity, simulating the type of tasks astronauts would perform on the lunar surface. Researchers combined these occupational tasks with physiological monitoring, biomechanical data and comfort assessments to understand overall performance with and without the prototype suit. Read more: - University research selected for prestigious science exhibition - University vice-chancellor to help lead £20m regeneration project Jarle Steinberg, chief technology officer at Nåva Space, said: "The lab study is establishing the groundwork for additional testing with space agencies and astronauts. "The results from the Nåva Space development connect innovative concepts with cutting-edge, evidence-based science, leading to solutions for real-world problems." Mr Martinez said: "This project has broadened my knowledge through physiological and psychological research, complementing my background in aerospace engineering and deepening my understanding of human spaceflight. "Collaborating with the University of Chichester and Nåva Space has also been an excellent opportunity to grow academically and professionally within an international and multidisciplinary team." The partnership has not only generated scientific findings but has also supported student involvement and professional development. Students from both universities have been invited to present methodologies and emerging findings at upcoming conferences, strengthening the visibility of early‑career researchers and showcasing the value of cross‑institutional teamwork. This marks the university’s first formal step into space-related scientific studies and lays the foundation for its future contributions to the field of human performance in space.