Building a DIY Spacesuit: Cameron Smith’s Quest for a Cheaper and More Accessible Design

Summary

In this article, we explore the journey of Cameron Smith, a space enthusiast who is building a DIY spacesuit to contribute to the future of space settlement. Smith aims to create a cheaper, lighter, and more durable spacesuit that is accessible to more people. He has designed a four-layer spacesuit with common materials and simple wiring to make it more reliable and easier to fix.

Cameron Smith’s Inspiration
The DIY Spacesuit Design
Testing and Improvements
Open Source Design for the Future
Conclusion

Cameron Smith’s Inspiration

Cameron Smith’s love for space exploration started in his childhood during the Apollo era. He believes that every contribution, no matter how small, is important for the evolutionary future of space settlement. Smith is working towards building a spacesuit that is more practical and accessible to people. He wants to move away from the idea that spacesuits are super special and can only be fixed by experienced technicians.

The DIY Spacesuit Design

Smith’s spacesuit design consists of four main layers – a thermal garment, a gas-tight pressure barrier, a coverall, and a set of components like gloves, helmet, and boots. He uses common materials like hose clamps and simple wiring to make the spacesuit more reliable and easier to fix. Smith’s aim is to create a cheaper, lighter, and more durable spacesuit that is accessible to more people. He wants to make the spacesuit more like a Ford pickup truck.

Testing and Improvements

Smith has been working on the spacesuit since 2000 and has made several modifications to the design to make it more wearable. The initial design caused discomfort, but he has insulated the suit to prevent sparks and used 12 or 20 gauge wire to make it more comfortable. The spacesuit is tested for pressure maintenance, cooling, and communication, and is taken into real-world conditions to ensure it is leak-proof and can sustain the wearer.

Open Source Design for the Future

Smith plans to make the design of his spacesuit open source so that others can improve upon it. His ultimate goal is to create a fundamental design for spacesuits that will improve the overall design of spacesuits. He believes that every contribution, no matter how small, is important for the evolutionary future of space settlement.

Conclusion

Cameron Smith’s DIY spacesuit is a testament to the fact that space exploration is not limited to large organizations and governments. With passion, determination, and innovation, individuals like Smith can make significant contributions to the future of space settlement. His efforts towards creating a cheaper, lighter, and more durable spacesuit that is accessible to more people are commendable and inspiring.