Space travel and fashion design may seem like two independent fields, but the clothing and accessories of astronauts can inspire the textile industry. Space technology is driving advancements in fashion, from bras and children’s clothing equipped with monitoring systems to protective gear for athletes and explorers against hazards in life on Earth.
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| Leather sports jacket with internal cooling system. |
David Raitt from the Technology Transfer and Promotion Department of the European Space Agency (ESA) stated: “The long-standing space program has been seen as a catalyst for the advancements we are witnessing today in the textile industry.” The harsh conditions of space, including temperatures ranging from extremely cold to extremely hot, cosmic radiation, microgravity, and lack of light, all pose significant challenges for scientists. Each year, ESA allocates approximately 400 million euros for research and development, and many people on Earth are currently benefiting from this specialized technology.
To reduce the costs of carrying out space missions (as launching each kilogram into space costs 10,000 euros), ESA is researching the creation of fabrics that are 100 times stronger than steel but extremely lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. In 2002, the McLaren Formula 1 racing team wore jackets made from this special fabric during the Grand Prix in England, inspired by the concept of mimicking space suits. “In the cockpit, temperatures can reach nearly 700°C, so McLaren asked us to help keep the drivers cool while they are behind the wheel,” Raitt explained. Cold water is circulated through 2mm plastic tubes inside the ultra-light jacket, providing a cooling sensation for the wearer for up to 90 minutes.
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Bra for breast cancer patients. |
Following this, the jacket with the cooling system was produced and widely distributed by the Italian sportswear brand Spidi.
Although this type of clothing is designed for professional athletes, Italian designer Grado Zero is preparing to launch a leather jacket that integrates a protective system for motorcyclists, utilizing ESA technology. The special gel system in the shoulders and elbows ensures that the jacket remains soft while worn but hardens instantly upon impact. Priced at around 1,000 euros, the jacket is also treated to keep the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. The company is also researching lightweight jackets for mountaineers, which could protect them in -50°C environments using a special compound called Aerogel.
Meanwhile, washable clothing that monitors heart rate and respiration of newborns is set to hit the market next year. Based on astronaut clothing, this design aims to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by alerting parents if their baby’s breathing or heart rate changes. Researchers are also developing products to assist those with serious illnesses, such as bras with internal monitoring systems for breast cancer patients or clothing that protects children from harmful ultraviolet rays.
