HS Student Designs Spacesuits For NASA’ Simulated Mars Mission

Riley Nuttycombe, a senior at New Vista High School in Boulder, Colorado, spent over 200 hours designing and building prototype spacesuits for her capstone project. Her goal was to improve mobility, comfort, and airflow using materials like 3D-printed plastic and a snorkel mask to create more functional designs. She points out that many spacesuit helmets haven’t changed much in decades and she wanted to modernize them.

Riley also joined NASA’s Spaceward Bound program and traveled to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. There, as the only student on the mission, she tested her spacesuit prototypes in a simulated Martian environment alongside a team of educators. She describes the experience as immersive; they followed strict routines mimicking life on Mars, including restrictions on leaving the habitat.

This was the teen’s second time at the Mars simulation, where she first discovered her interest in spacesuit technology. She says she wants to keep working on aerospace innovation and hopes to contribute to future space technology. As she prepares for graduation, Riley says that big goals are possible with effort and curiosity and she encourages others to explore their passions.

Source: CBS NEWS