As time goes by, it looks more and more like humanity is on the cusp of creating its first off-world colony. That does, however, mean there are a lot of new problems to solve and ventures to embark upon. And the folks at the European Space Agency (ESA) have already started work on their contributions — one of which is a wearable based on Nintendo’s 1989 Power Glove.
Sharing the same name, the ESA Power Glove is actually a protective hand covering suitable for zero-g and vacuum usage. And while it looks a lot like existing astronaut gloves — like those employed by NASA — it has some hidden tech within. That includes systems that will allow for wireless control of drones and rovers, integrated laser lights that will give astronauts the ability to accurately gauge distances during spacewalks, and even a display that shows critical information like oxygen and battery levels. They’re also airtight, waterproof, and resistant to extreme variations in temperature and can even stave off the damaging effects of moon dust. They’re still in the prototyping phase, but the ESA is saying they’re even considering adding self-healing properties and other integrated sensors. Whatever the case, this spacefaring gear certainly looks promising.
