This is an exciting step in our collaboration with Nåva Space. It is great to bring in the deep expertise in occupational and extreme environment research from the OPRG to form a truly leading team to support the development of future human space exploration.
Oliver Runswick, Senior Lecturer in Performance Psychology at King’s College London
23 June 2026
Prototype space suit tested by King's researchers
King’s College London researchers working with the University of Chichester have tested a prototype suit for use in simulated lunar exploration tasks.
The research has been carried out as part of an international collaboration between the Occupational Performance Research Group (OPRG), at the University Chichester (UoC), King’s College London’s Spacesuit Physiology Laboratory, and Nåva Space.
The project focuses on an interdisciplinary experiment combining physiological measurements, cognitive assessments, perceptual sensations, and astronaut task completion to holistically evaluate performance during simulated extravehicular activities (EVAs).
EVAs include surface tasks that astronauts complete outside of a spacecraft, such as geological sampling, exploration and maintenance duties. This project builds on previous successful collaboration between King’s and the OPRG designing and executing complex, interdisciplinary, occupational research.
Nåva Space’s prototype EVA suit was designed to enhance the wearer’s field of view beyond that of the current suits. Evidence of the suit's ability to offer greater spatial awareness and reduced cognitive load must be tested through rigorous scientific assessments before development of the suit can progress. The prototype suit was put to the test by the team including: Marcus Peach, Kaia Pilbeam, Christopher Vine (UoC), Kieran McAllen, Josep Martinez and Oliver Runswick (King’s College London) and Jarle Steinberg (Nåva Space).
The team assessed:
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Obstacle avoidance capabilities, simulating avoiding craters and rocks on the lunar surface during EVAs
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Visual identification of geological features, simulating one of the key roles of astronauts by searching for points of interest within a dynamic lunar scene
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Manual dexterity capacity, simulating construction of mission equipment and geological sampling
These cognitive and occupational metrics were combined with physiological variables, such as heart rate, skin temperature, biomechanical measurements, including torso and head movement), and perceptual sensations, for example, comfort of suit, mental and physical effort) during four distinct conditions that provided a detailed analysis on participants’ performance while wearing and not wearing the prototype suit.
Space is arguably the most extreme environment that humans perform in, as even the smallest mistake, a stumble or a missed hazard, can have severe consequences to both mission success and astronaut safety. When we were designing this study, we knew from the outset that it had to combine physiological, cognitive, and occupationally relevant aspects.
Marcus Peach, Data Collection Lead, University of Chichester
This project offers an exceptional platform for staff and students across the University of Chichester, King’s College London, and Nåva Space to work side‑by‑side on a technically demanding and scientifically ambitious international study. The collaboration brings together complementary expertise, from occupational performance research and spacesuit physiology to aerospace innovation.
Beyond the immediate scientific outputs, the partnership has already begun to generate wider academic impact. Students from both universities have been invited to present methodologies and emerging findings at upcoming conferences, strengthening the visibility of early‑career researchers and showcasing the value of cross‑institutional teamwork.
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Senior Lecturer in Performance Psychology