The award is one of the two commercial spacesuit services contracts to provide the next generation of Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS)
Sophic Synergistics to help Axiom Space develop and provide the next generation of exploration spacesuits to NASA. (Credit: NASA-Imagery from Pixabay)
Sophic Synergistics, a human centred design consulting firm, is partnering with commercial space technology company Axiom Space to execute a contract from NASA to develop the next generation of exploration spacesuits.
The award is one of the two commercial spacesuit services contracts from the American space agency to deliver the next generation of Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS).
As part of the “EVA as a Service” contract, awardees will be responsible for providing an EVA system capability for the International Space Station (ISS), Artemis, and Advanced programme missions. The EVA system includes spacesuit, related hardware, and services.
The contract will have a 10-year ordering period and a potential total value of $3.5bn across the programme’s life.
Sophic Synergistics founder and CEO Cynthia Rando said: “Sophic has been working diligently within the commercial space sector over the years to implement a model of human centred design that allows for flexibility and agility while maintaining the integrity and safety of the practice.
“We are beyond thrilled to be continuing to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology development with our partner Axiom Space and creating a culture of confidence in commercial capabilities for the US Government.”
Axiom Space by partnering with Sophic Synergistics will create commercial spacesuits that are crew centric, functional, innovative, and safe for the next generation of professional as well as private astronauts.
Axiom Space xEVAS programme manager Mark Greeley said: “We are proud to partner with Sophic to build an expert team to develop the next generation astronaut spacesuit that will equip a new era of space exploration in low Earth Orbit, at the International Space Station and on the Moon with the Artemis lunar mission.
“The xEVAS spacesuits contract opens a new exciting endeavor in human spaceflight expanding opportunities for the commercial space industry to grow and achieve greater accomplishments for more of humanity.”
The new contract from NASA is said to allow Axiom Space to work with its partners to develop next generation astronaut spacesuits that cater to the company’s list of private astronauts, commercial customers, and future commercial space station goals.
Apart from Sophic Synergistics, Axiom Space is partnering with KBR, Air-Lock, David Clark, Paragon Space Development, and A-P-T Research on the contract.