NASA is developing its first space suit in 20 years - and has turned it into a hatchback.
The space agency is working on a new 'Z1' suit which will have an entry point at the back to make it far easier to put on.
Astronauts could be able to climb into it as quickly as you see in films, and not take an hour as they do now.
The new suit will also effectively be its own airlock, doing away with the need to spend time getting the pressure right.
The ‘Z-1 Prototype Spacesuit and Portable Life Support System (PLSS) 2.0’, to give it its full title, will hopefully be ready by 2014.
On the rear will be a giant backpack which doubles as a hatch that can latch onto another space ship or Rover-like vehicle.
There is therefore no need for ‘Prebreathing’ which involves using oxygen to make sure the suit is the same pressure as the ship, and can take up to an hour.
The backpack will carry all the life-support technology for a crew member and will provide oxygen, ventilation and all the onboard electronics.
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TXT 24
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