Originally created by Paul D. R. Bakken

Paul D. R. Bakken initially designed the BORP suit to address three problems common to many analog research space suits: fogging, difficulty in modifying or upgrading, and exclusivity in design. The BORP suit addresses these challenges by providing proper Air Flow, Modularity and Open Design:

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Air Flow – Helmet design provides a strong supply of fresh air to the inside of the visor

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Modularity – Additional components (such as power system, the neck locking rings, and the integral wrist and ankle locking rings on the flight suit) are designed to allow for a modular design methodology and mixing for the BORP suit. 

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Open Design – Innovation depends on collaboration! All of the IP for the BORP suit is made available to the analog astronaut community on a Creative Commons basis to serve as a common development platform for analog research facilities and analog astronaut enthusiasts all over the world. Accordingly, the entirety of the BORPsuit IP is licensed to any user under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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The BORP suit is a non-pressurized mid-fidelity analog astronaut suit developed for the use in terrestrial simulations of lunar and Martian surface missions. It replicates many of the mechanical and sensory constraints astronauts face in an actual extravehicular activity (EVA). The main features of this suit are the acoustic decoupling from the environment, viewing angle limitations, reduced dexterity and movement restrictions as well as integrated head lamps, making it a simple but authentic training suit.

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- Acoustic decoupling due to the helmets’ integrated ventilation system and encapsulation
- Viewing angle limitation due to the implemented visor
- Reduced dexterity through the layered thick gloves
- Movement restrictions due to integrated stiff components and layered structures
- Integrated head lamps for usability in dark environments or at night

Historical overview

2017