WASHINGTON, July 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins
Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX),
joined with ILC Dover today to unveil a Next Generation Space Suit
system prototype designed for future missions. The unveiling took
place at a United Technologies event on Capitol Hill featuring the
company's past, present and future contributions to manned space
exploration as part of a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of
the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
Drawing on their extensive collaboration dating back to the
Apollo program and continuing through the Space Shuttle and
International Space Station programs, the two companies funded and
designed the Next Generation Space Suit system as a forward-looking
prototype and demonstrator of innovative future suit technologies.
The system was designed with NASA and commercial customer
applications in mind, including lunar surface missions in partial
gravity, orbital space station missions in microgravity and future
planetary missions.
Compared to Collins Aerospace's existing space suit used by
astronauts today on the International Space Station—the
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), which ILC Dover also
collaborated on—the Next Generation Space Suit system boasts a
number of enhanced features, including:
- New carbon dioxide removal technology that is perpetually
regenerated while in use. This breakthrough technology enables
extended-duration missions, reduces dependency on resupply and
significantly reduces crew maintenance time.
- Improved mobility joints and an ambulatory lower torso that
will allow astronauts to traverse hazardous terrain, perform
complex assembly tasks and closely examine, handle and collect
geological samples from the surface.
- Upper torso structural component with advanced sizing features
to enable a larger anthropometric range of astronauts to have an
optimal fit in as few as two sizes. The upper torso can be resized
quickly without tools.
- Significantly more efficient motors and electronics that reduce
size and weight, and enable the incorporation of additional
avionics and data capabilities into the suit.
- Pathways to integrate parallel development of cutting-edge
information technology and display systems that will provide
astronauts with a digitally connected experience, including
advanced displays and voice-activated controls, real-time access to
data, and HD video recording and communication capabilities.
- Open, evolvable architecture that allows the space suit to be
easily upgraded with technologies that keep the suit
state-of-the-art and aligned with mission objectives.
"Collins Aerospace is proud to collaborate with ILC Dover on the
Next Generation Space Suit system," said Gail Baker, president, ISR & Space Solutions
at Collins Aerospace. "Together, we have a rich history of
advancing human space exploration, and as we celebrate the fiftieth
anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar mission, we have already begun
writing the next chapter."
"Collaborating with an innovative company like Collins Aerospace
is a perfect match," said Patty
Stoll, division manager, Space Systems at ILC Dover. "Our
depth of experience and knowledge of suit technology at ILC Dover
joined with Collins' life support capabilities makes us a
formidable team. Together, we're going back to the Moon and on to
Mars."
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and
intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense
industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace
Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the
capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve
customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly
evolving global market. For more information, visit
CollinsAerospace.com.
About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides
high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace
industries. By combining a passion for science with precision
engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions
the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our
website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.
This press release contains forward-looking statements
concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government
procurement priorities and practices, budget plans and availability
of funding, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges
in the design, development, production and support of advanced
technologies, and the realization of the anticipated benefits
associated with those advanced technologies; as well as other risks
and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from
time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange
Commission filings.
About ILC Dover
Innovators at our core, we develop engineered solutions for our
customers' complex problems.
Recognized globally for our flexible containment solutions, ILC
Dover serves customers in a diverse range of industries, including
pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, personal care,
food and beverage, chemical, aerospace, healthcare and government
agencies. At ILC Dover, quality is a culture, not a measurement.
Our customers will tell you that we cater to their every need and
that we're highly innovative, responsive, dedicated and
competitive. We have been innovating since 1947. ILC Dover's
visionary solutions improve efficiency, safeguard workers and
product, and prevent disasters—proof that we are on the front line
of business excellence.
Engineering evolution beyond boundaries.
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SOURCE Collins Aerospace