Collins Aerospace selected to outfit the next generation of space explorers

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Jun 01, 2022, 15:10 ET

Collins-led team to provide new spacesuit for ISS crew and Artemis moon missions

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business - along with teammates ILC Dover and Oceaneering - have been selected to produce NASA's next-generation spacesuit, which astronauts could wear when working outside the International Space Station and – within the next decade – on the moon.

The new suits were designed by astronauts for astronauts and offer enhanced mobility and weigh less than the current generation spacesuits, allowing for increased mission times. The suits are also designed to accommodate nearly every astronaut body type and can rapidly incorporate new technologies.

"Astronauts returning to the moon and venturing beyond need a spacesuit that's as modern as their new missions," said Dan Burbank, senior technical fellow at Collins Aerospace and former NASA astronaut. "The next-gen spacesuit is lighter, more modular, a better fit and easily adaptable, which means that wherever the journey into space may lead, our crew will be ready."

Collins Aerospace designed the first spacesuit that allowed astronauts to walk on the moon, as well as the suit NASA astronauts currently use when operating outside the International Space Station.

"Collins was there when the first man walked on the moon, and we'll be there when humankind goes back," said Phil Jasper, president of Mission Systems for Collins Aerospace.

"We are excited to return to the Moon and build on our 50-year legacy of supplying EVA suits to NASA from the Apollo program to today on the International Space Station," said Patty Stoll, President of Space Systems at ILC Dover. "We look forward to partnering with NASA as their lunar spacesuit provider and inspiring the next generation through Artemis as we work to send the first woman and next man to the Moon."

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the extensive capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and broad expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

About ILC Dover

ILC Dover is a world-leader in the innovative design and production of space exploration technology including spacesuits, space habitats and inflatable landing systems. The company's spacesuits, Launch, Entry, and Abort (LEA), Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and Planetary Exploration Suits, have been worn during more than 250 space flights, six Moon landings, and over 3,000 hours of spacewalks without a single failure. Our customers will attest to our relentless dedication to high value products, advanced technology, and responsive service, as our visionary solutions have improved efficiency while safeguarding people, product, and infrastructure in hazardous conditions through flexible protective solutions since 1947. For more information on ILC Dover, please visit http://www.ilcdover.com.

SOURCE Collins Aerospace