In 2019, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the PexTex project aimed at designing the spacesuits of tomorrow, this equipment having not changed much since the 1970s. It has notably joined forces with the Austrian Space Forum around the BACTeRMA sub-project which, as you will have understood, is interested in the problem of microbial growth in the inner lining of wetsuits.
A question that is all the more important as the length of flights could increase in the years to come and as said combinations will have to be shared between several individuals. The materials must therefore be able to protect astronauts from radiation, extreme temperatures, space particles, but also from microscopic enemies, bacteria and other microbes.
No stopping at the laundromat
The problem is perfectly summed up by Malgorzata Holynska, materials and process engineer at ESA: “Imagine keeping your underwear clean; it’s pretty easy to do on a day-to-day basis, thanks to detergent, washing machines and dryers. But in habitats on the Moon or beyond, regularly washing the insides of spacesuits might not be practical. Additionally, spacesuits will most likely be shared among different astronauts and stored for long periods between uses, potentially in conditions favorable to microorganisms. We therefore had to find alternative solutions to avoid microbial growth.“
The solution is in nature
Today, ESA lifts the veil on a lunar space suit concept developed in collaboration with Comex, whose expertise in underwater exploration is well established. A concept that will eventually incorporate a new antibacterial technology. Traditional solutions, often based on copper or silver, are certainly quite effective, but they can cause irritation and see their effectiveness diminish over time.
ESA researchers therefore turned to secondary metabolites, organic compounds developed by plants, fungi and microorganisms with antibiotic properties. Their integration into a textile material was developed with the Austrian start-up Vienna Textile Lab. The new material is being tested in the laboratory and field trials are scheduled for spring 2024. Every detail counts to ensure the safety of astronauts.