RTX business Collins Aerospace announces developmental milestone of next-generation spacesuit

Rhea-AI Summary

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, along with partners ILC Dover and Oceaneering, successfully completed the Crew Capability Assessment test for its next-generation spacesuit for the International Space Station. The test validated the suit's performance in a manufactured zero-gravity environment and included evaluations of the pressure garment system fit, functionality, and performance of the new Extravehicular Mobility Unit. The next-generation suit is lighter weight and lower volume than NASA's current spacesuit, with an open architecture design for easy modification as missions change or technology advances.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The completion of the Crew Capability Assessment test by Collins Aerospace represents a significant milestone in the development of next-generation spacesuits. This development is pivotal for the aerospace industry, as it directly correlates with the progress of space exploration missions and the sustainability of human activity in space. The spacesuit, being lighter and more adaptable than previous designs, indicates a strategic move towards enhancing astronaut efficiency and safety, which could potentially reduce costs and risks associated with space missions.

From an industry perspective, this advancement could lead to increased contracts and partnerships for Collins Aerospace, as well as its partners ILC Dover and Oceaneering. The successful test may also bolster investor confidence in RTX's commitment to innovation and its competitive edge in the aerospace sector. Furthermore, the open architecture design of the spacesuit suggests a long-term vision that accommodates future technological advancements, which is crucial for maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement by Collins Aerospace is likely to have implications for the broader market, especially within the space exploration and defense sectors. The successful demonstration of the spacesuit's functionality in a zero-gravity environment could enhance RTX's market position and open up new revenue streams through government contracts, such as those with NASA and private spaceflight companies. As the commercial space industry grows, the demand for advanced extravehicular equipment is expected to rise, positioning Collins Aerospace as a potential key supplier.

Moreover, the collaboration with experienced former NASA astronauts in the testing phase reflects a strategic approach to product development, ensuring that end-user expertise is integrated into the design process. This user-centric design philosophy can lead to higher product acceptance and could set a benchmark for industry standards in spacesuit technology.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of the successful test for RTX shareholders could be substantial. The development of a next-generation spacesuit under the xEVAS contract with NASA represents a significant investment in research and development, which could lead to long-term financial benefits through sustained contracts and potential market expansion. The emphasis on a lighter weight and lower volume design could result in lower production and transportation costs, improving profit margins.

Additionally, the anticipation of further evaluations, such as the upcoming thermal vacuum test and underwater test, suggests a robust pipeline of development activities that may continue to generate positive news flow and potentially impact RTX's stock performance. Investors will likely monitor these developments closely as indicators of the company's future revenue potential and its ability to capitalize on the growing interest in space exploration.

Company validated spacesuit performance in manufactured zero-gravity environment

HOUSTON, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), with partners ILC Dover and Oceaneering, completed the Crew Capability Assessment test, a key step in the design process on its next-generation spacesuit for the International Space Station, under NASA's Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services, or xEVAS, contract.

The Collins team validated suit performance in a manufactured zero-gravity environment onboard an aircraft, performing a series of demonstrations performed by experienced former NASA astronauts. The primary objectives of the flight test included evaluation of the suit's pressure garment system fit and functionality, use of International Space Station tools and interfaces, and reviewed performance of the new Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or EMU, against the current design.

"The test allowed us to examine specific objectives of the design that can support a broad range of crewmember sizes and crew tasks in a controlled environment," said Peggy Guirgis, general manager, Space Systems, for Collins Aerospace.

"ILC Dover's pressure garment design leverages decades of innovation and experience to fit more astronauts than ever before, ensuring the safety and comfort of the next generation of space explorers," said Rob Reed, president of Space & Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover. "The successful test signals that we're one step closer to sustaining human life in space with the most advanced spacesuit yet."

Collins' next-generation suit is lighter weight and lower volume than NASA's current spacesuit. Its open architecture design will allow the suit to be easily modified as missions change or technology becomes more advanced. The company has engaged with current and former astronauts to guide engineering and design choices.

Ahead of a critical design review, additional evaluations are scheduled including a thermal vacuum test and an underwater test to be held at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas.

About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $68.9 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

 

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SOURCE RTX

What is the ticker symbol for Collins Aerospace?

The ticker symbol for Collins Aerospace is RTX.

What was the objective of the Crew Capability Assessment test?

The objective of the test was to validate the performance of the next-generation spacesuit for the International Space Station in a manufactured zero-gravity environment.

What are the primary objectives of the flight test?

The primary objectives included evaluation of the suit's pressure garment system fit and functionality, use of International Space Station tools and interfaces, and reviewed performance of the new Extravehicular Mobility Unit against the current design.

How does the next-generation suit compare to NASA's current spacesuit?

The next-generation suit is lighter weight and lower volume than NASA's current spacesuit, with an open architecture design for easy modification as missions change or technology advances.

What additional evaluations are scheduled ahead of the critical design review?

Additional evaluations scheduled include a thermal vacuum test and an underwater test to be held at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas.