Virgin Galactic is sending people into space in style. Richard Branson’s aerospace company just announced that Under Armour will be designing and producing the space suits and footwear that will be worn by passengers and pilots during future commercial trips to space. Under Armour will also create physical training programs for astronauts to undergo in preparation for the flights.
Details on the spacewear are limited at this point. According to the companies, the suits will be designed to provide wearers with enhanced performance by blending safety, utility, comfort and style. In addition to making the gear for space exploration, Under Armour is also providing uniforms for the people on the ground, including mission control operatives, astronaut trainers and engineers working out of Virgin Galactic’s facilities at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Virgin Galactic plans to show off the full range of designs crafted by Under Armour later this year. The company is planning on launching its inaugural commercial flight before the end of 2019, though it has missed targeted launch dates in the past and undergone significant setbacks. Virgin Galactic successfully reached space for the first time last month with its SpaceShipTwo suborbital space plane.
