Oceaneering International (“Oceaneering”) announces that Oceaneering Space Systems (“OSS”), a division of the Aerospace and Defense Technologies segment, will serve on a team led by Collins Aerospace (“Collins”), a Raytheon Technologies business selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) to develop next-generation extravehicular spacesuits.
“These suits will provide a better fit and comfort for the astronauts, increasing their mobility to safely operate on the surface of the moon”
NASA is enlisting commercial partners to develop, build, and maintain new spacesuit technology. The Collins team, which also includes ILC Dover, has decades of experience supplying spacesuits to NASA. Collins is one of two companies that received access to a NASA contract for Extravehicular Activity Services (“xEVAS”) worth up to $3.5 billion over 12 years to supply spacesuits for future missions.
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Next-generation spacesuits require new technologies for missions targeted to begin as early as 2025 through 2034. These new suits are expected to allow astronauts to work outside the International Space Station, explore the lunar surface on Artemis missions, and prepare for human missions to Mars. Additionally, the suits are expected to accommodate nearly every astronaut body type, provide added flexibility to allow for increased mission times, and be adaptable to evolving technology enhancements as required.
“These suits will provide a better fit and comfort for the astronauts, increasing their mobility to safely operate on the surface of the moon,” said Carl Walz, former NASA astronaut and longtime Director of Business Development for OSS.
Rod Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer, states, “We are thrilled to work alongside teammates Collins and ILC Dover on this xEVAS contract to deliver the most capable spacesuit systems possible to get NASA astronauts to the moon and beyond. This award builds upon Oceaneering’s longstanding relationships with Collins, ILC Dover and NASA and its experience in prior spacesuit programs. Oceaneering has proudly enabled successful space missions for NASA alongside our industry partners for over 40 years, delivering thousands of products and mission support for the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and its international partners’ extravehicular activity.”