NASA's next-generation spacesuit: Inspired by Buzz Lightyear?

The space agency reveals a prototype for its first new suit in 20 years. And it looks awfully familiar...

Buzz Lightyear… is that you?
(Image credit: Facebook/Toy Story,NASA/STAFFORD)

NASA's first spacesuit, worn by U.S. astronaut Alan Shepard in 1963, was awfully shiny — like tinfoil wrapped around an action figure. Less than a decade later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin skipped across the moon's surface wearing iconic bubble suits that vaguely resembled the Pillsbury Doughboy. And the current model donned by NASA's heroic space explorers hasn't been changed since 1992, making it something of a dinosaur, says David Szondy at Gizmag. Well, that's about to change, thanks to the "Z-1 Prototype Spacesuit and Portable Life Support System." Here's what you should know:

Why hasn't NASA updated its spacesuit in 20 years?

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Chris Gayomali is the science and technology editor for TheWeek.com. Previously, he was a tech reporter at TIME. His work has also appeared in Men's Journal, Esquire, and The Atlantic, among other places. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.