Vast, the company behind the upcoming Haven-1 commercial space station, has revealed a custom-designed astronaut flight suit, signaling a shift towards specialized crew attire for private space missions. This two-piece suit, designed with a "human-centric approach," will be worn by astronauts for mission events, training, and orbital operations.
Developed with input from former NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, the suit aims to blend tradition with modern functionality. Unlike the off-the-rack clothing often seen on the International Space Station, Vast's design prioritizes mobility and utility, featuring ample pockets and Velcro attachment points for tools. The suit can be worn as a one- or two-piece garment, tailored for individual crew members.
Alongside the flight suit, Vast has also certified a luxury Swiss timepiece, the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, for use on Haven-1. This watch has been engineered to withstand the rigors of spaceflight, featuring a glove-friendly rotating bezel.
This initiative marks a significant step in the evolution of crew comfort and operational efficiency for the burgeoning commercial space industry.