The prototype Z-2 space suit has different light-emitting patches to make it easier to identify specific crew members during a spacewalk. NASA has released these three designs.
Have other design of patches been discussed in any NASA documentation?
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Sign up to join this communityThe prototype Z-2 space suit has different light-emitting patches to make it easier to identify specific crew members during a spacewalk. NASA has released these three designs.
Have other design of patches been discussed in any NASA documentation?
There is this image below, but there's no way to tell if they are still intending on using it. Via Wikipedia.
There is also a paper from 2016 that may be useful, as it explores the process behind these design choices, and mentions the above 4th design. I can't tell if it answers your question or not.
The Z-1 suit has colored patches, but I don't think they Luminex glowing patches.
It appears the patches for the Z-2 suit were the only ones made for consideration:
NASA has since chosen the Technology design.
One website states that,
Luminex is a complex system involving a combination of optical fibre fabric and electronics. Light emitting diodes illuminate the optical fibres, which distribute the light over the surface of the fabric. The energy required by the LEDs is obtained from a rechargeable battery.
Luminex has mainly been applied in theatres, interiors, accessories, upholstery and in the motor industry.
I'm inferring from this that Luminex could be applied to other designs for the space suit if NASA wanted it.