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Y-3, which is a fashion collaboration between Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto, have created the ‘space-apparel system’ for Virgin Galactic’s pilots, its future astronauts and the operations team based at Spaceport America.
Virgin Galactic has been backed by a number of brands, including Land Rover and Grey Goose, both of which said they would stand by Sir Richard Branson's space venture after a SpaceShipTwo in the California desert, killing a pilot.
The prototype flight-suit and boot was revealed at Spaceport’s New Mexico base, with a presentation from Lawrence Midwood, Y-3’s senior director of design, and Adam Wells, Virgin Galactic’s head of design.
The prototype apparel has been developed using Adidas’s technical knowledge and Y-3’s use of fabrics and its launch follows a series of tests.
The resulting flight-suit supports the pilot’s natural seating position and has been constructed using Nomex Meta Aramid materials and with a 3D-engineered pattern.
Virgin Galactic and Y-3 have also developed a bespoke limited edition jacket for passengers.
The boot combines Nomex and leather, a Traxion outsole and AdiPrene heel insert for comfort and shock absorption.
The prototypes will now be tested during flights.
Y-3 and Virgin have created a video explaining the partnership:
Midwood said: "The pilot flight-suit prototype that we have developed truly represents both of our brands and, more importantly, will ensure comfort, functionality and support for the pilots of the world’s first commercial space flights."
Wells added: "Our evolution into a fully-functioning spaceline presents unprecedented opportunities to create original designs in support of our unique customer experience."
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