Virgin Galactic and Under Armour Unveil Design for Commercial Spacesuit

Aerospace and Defense Review | Friday, October 18, 2019

Virgin Galactic's spacecraft will carry six passengers and two pilots to the edge of space after the spacecraft is dropped from a jet-powered aircraft at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The price of a ticket for Virgin Galactic's flight to space is USD 250,000

FREMONT, CA: Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson unveiled and modelled the new range of custom spacesuits that will be worn by the world's first private astronauts. The custom made suits with country flags, and name badges have been designed by U.S sports manufacturing brand Under Armour.

"Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age. Our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked. I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space," Branson explained.

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The different materials for the suits, undergarments, and boots were selected based on their ability to aid in the body's temperature and moisture regulation. The spacewear was designed after considering various inputs from trainers, pilots, doctors, stylists and more. It comes with a transparent interior pocket which space passengers can use to keep pictures of loved ones, literally keeping them close to heart. The suits have been designed in a way that wearers can fit perfectly into the spacecraft's seats. Each spacesuit will be tailor-made for each space passenger, who will be allowed to take home after the trip is completed.

From Under Armour's perspective, the spacesuit initiative sits well with the company's broader push to sell performance gear, like sweat-wicking shirts and shorts. It also helps the company establish its separate identity from the likes of Nike, Adidas and Lululemon, who have built their brands more around individual sports, such as basketball, soccer or yoga.

“One of the main components [of the suit] is one of our in-line technologies we call Rush, which is a celliant yarn that actually goes and helps your muscles recover and it uses infrared heat that actually allows your muscles to build and recover faster. It’s also lined with our cold-gear reactor lining that will allow you to stay warm,” said Under Armour CEO, Kevin Plank.

Virgin Galactic's spacecraft will carry six passengers and two pilots to the edge of space after the spacecraft is dropped from a jet-powered aircraft at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The spacecraft will then be propelled by its rocket motor, attaining speeds three times the speed of sound, climbing through the Earth's atmosphere. The price of a ticket for Virgin Galactic's flight to space is USD 250,000.

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