Why is Smart Sensory Skin (S3) important  for astronauts? « Back to Questions List

Smart Sensory Skin (S3) is a space suit technology under development to monitor the mental health of astronauts.  The Smart sensory skin is envisaged to provide real time feedback on the emotional feeling of astronauts.  The feedbacks can be effectively used to improve the conditions inside the spacecraft and to uplift the mental frame work of astronaut. 

Mental and physical health of astronauts is very critical for successful space missions. They face many challenges during their journey which can drain them emotionally.  During space journey astronauts face lack of exercise, exposure to extreme light and sleeplessness. These are sufficient causes for mood swings and they undergo depression.  It is essential to support astronauts when they feel anxious or tensed. With the mood assessing space suit, scientists expect to tackle depression. 

Researchers from Florida Polytechnic University, U.S suggest the new technology, called Smart Sensory Skin (S3), to address the emotional imbalances during space trips.  Wireless sensors attached to space suit will continuously assess the mental and physical deficits in astronauts.  Based on the inputs, immediate responses will be generated to alter the conditions of the environment of the astronaut to fit the individual needs. The conditions in the spacecraft like intensity and colour of light, temperature levels and availability of oxygen can be altered to suit the requirement of astronaut. 

With developments in Smart Sensory Skin (S3) technology and with powerful wireless sensors in the space suits, in due course physician on Earth will be empowered to monitor the pulse rate, blood pressure and body conditions of the explorer on real time. Similar technology already in existence has lot of short comings.  The process involved is herculean and data collection is passive.  In this process, the astronaut can make appropriate corrections only after the physician assess his condition based on past data and recommendations are given. But the new S3 technology empowers the astronaut to carry out corrections on real time.  Media has given an apt name to the product. They call it “Happy Space Suit”. 
 

SpaceX – Space Exploration Technologies Corporation

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