Astronauts on Mars Will Face Serious Danger - Study
A NASA study has found that modern spacesuits are too heavy for Mars due to its gravity being 38% of Earth's. The 170 kg xEMU suit would feel like 64 kg, limiting movement. Scientists propose reducing the mass to 104 kg so the perceived weight is 23 kg, possibly by returning to a simpler design.
NASA researchers have determined that modern spacesuits, including the xEMU model designed for the Artemis lunar program, are too heavy for Mars conditions. Under Martian gravity (38% of Earth's), an astronaut would perceive the 170 kg suit as 64 kg, which, combined with weight loss during the flight (up to 50 kg), would create serious limitations for movement and oxygen supply. Scientists calculated that a comfortable perceived weight should be about 23 kg, requiring a reduction in the suit's actual mass to 104 kg. As a solution, they suggest returning to a simpler Apollo-era design with modern improvements, though this may reduce protection levels. NASA has not made a final decision; tests are expected during future lunar missions. The article references Phys.org and notes that Mars colonization is planned for the 2030s–2040s.