Mechanical counterpressure suit

The Space Activity Suit developed by Paul Webb and built under a NASA project. The image shows the complete multi-layer suit and positive-pressure helmet, lacking only the backpack. (taken c. 1971)

A mechanical counterpressure (MCP) suit, partial pressure suit, direct compression suit, or space activity suit (SAS) is an experimental spacesuit which applies stable pressure against the skin by means of skintight elastic garments. The SAS is not inflated like a conventional spacesuit: it uses mechanical pressure, rather than air pressure, to compress the human body in low-pressure environments. Development was begun by NASA and the Air Force in the late 1950s and then again in the late 1960s, but neither design was used. Research is under way at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a "Bio-Suit" System which is based on the original SAS concept.[1]

  1. ^ David, Leonard (January 26, 2005). "High-Tech Spacesuits Eyed for 'Extreme Exploration'". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-04-08.