Leeds theatre group helps create innovative space suit
Those with loved ones in space may soon have the option of giving them a big hug, due to the innovative creation of a theatre group in Leeds.
The Unlimited Theatre Company, which operates from West Yorkshire Playhouse, participated in the Space Apps Challenge – a worldwide competition devised by NASA – and an internet-connected space suit was the result.
The suit design utilises thread able to conduct electricity and offers the user something called the ‘wearable hug’, whereby it squeezes the shoulders of the astronaut when commanded to do so. Unlimited Theatre worked on their entry from Exeter, at the site of the Met Office, and collaborated with Exeter College fashion students, software developers and technologists to bring it to fruition.
The result was ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Best Mission Concept’ prizes at the UK finals, followed by the global award in the latter category. A prototype version is now set to be developed by the Unlimited Space Agency, an offshoot of the theatre group which has the aim of sparking interest in space exploration and science amongst young people.
The triumph will increase awareness of the group, which was formed by artists Jon Spooner, Clare Duffy and Chris Thorpe in 1997 with a determination to combine science and art. Leeds print shops will be able to supply services like catalogue printing to ensure they can capitalise on this new interest.
The Unlimited Theatre Company, which operates from West Yorkshire Playhouse, participated in the Space Apps Challenge – a worldwide competition devised by NASA – and an internet-connected space suit was the result.
The suit design utilises thread able to conduct electricity and offers the user something called the ‘wearable hug’, whereby it squeezes the shoulders of the astronaut when commanded to do so. Unlimited Theatre worked on their entry from Exeter, at the site of the Met Office, and collaborated with Exeter College fashion students, software developers and technologists to bring it to fruition.
The result was ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Best Mission Concept’ prizes at the UK finals, followed by the global award in the latter category. A prototype version is now set to be developed by the Unlimited Space Agency, an offshoot of the theatre group which has the aim of sparking interest in space exploration and science amongst young people.
The triumph will increase awareness of the group, which was formed by artists Jon Spooner, Clare Duffy and Chris Thorpe in 1997 with a determination to combine science and art. Leeds print shops will be able to supply services like catalogue printing to ensure they can capitalise on this new interest.