Virgin Atlantic reveals space suit designs for Virgin Galactic

The commercial space agency has collaborated with fashion brand Y-3 on the design of new clothing designed for pilots, staff and passengers.

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Virgin Galactic has collaborated with Y-3 on the design of clothing for pilots, crew and passengers travelling on its commercial spacecraft.

Y-3 is itself a collaboration between Adidas and fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. The brand tie-up with Virgin Galactic has been announced with a prototype flight suit and boot, which will be worn by astronauts and pilots at Spaceport America in New Mexico, where the craft is being tested.

“Progressive, directional and accessible”

The remit for the team was to create something that was fit for the rigors of space travel with a look and feel that was “progressive, directional and accessible.”

Tests with the Virgin Galactic pilot corps have informed the design of the pilot suit, which supports a natural seating and flying position.

“Advanced materials” were researched and the design team decided to make the suit from Nomex  meta  aramid, known for its strength and heat resistant properties.

The boot is made of leather and Nomex, “outsole lugs” have been added to the underside to enhance grip and the design also reconciles shock-absorption and comfort.

Pilots will be trialling the suits in test flights

Pilots will be trialling the suits during test flights and their feedback will be used to inform any further developments.

Virgin Galactic head  of  design Adam Wells says: “Our  evolution  into  a  fully-functioning spaceline presents unprecedented opportunities to create original designs in support of our unique customer experience.

“Together with Y-3, we will explore the potential to create innovative apparel and accessories – both for our staff and for our pioneering customers  – that is appropriately  functional  and  fit-for-purpose,  is  thoughtfully  and  elegantly  crafted, and  is  fulfilling  and  fun  to  wear  and  use.”

Tickets for a trip on the Spaceship Two are $250,000 (£174,000), and flights are rumoured to begin at the end of 2017.

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l-r Virgin Galactic head of design Adam Wells, the disembodied space suit and Y-3 senior designer Lawrence Midwood
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