The documentary Vice meets two incredible innovators who are pushing the boundaries of space exploration and creating the next generation of space suits. Ted Southern and Nik Moiseev come from vastly different backgrounds but have combined their talents to create Final Frontier Design, a business that is changing how astronauts dress for space missions.
Their story began back in 2007 when they entered NASA’s Centennial Challenge, a competition sponsored by NASA. The two placed second in the subsequent glove competition, winning a $100,000 grant from NASA and giving them the resources to launch their business.
Space suits are much more than fashion accessories; they provide a means of protection for astronauts while traveling through space. Early designs were bulky and hard like armor but later Playtex, the women’s underwear maker, would revolutionize these suits with softer and more flexible materials. Ted and Nik have taken this idea even further with their own innovative design that combines cloth, machine, and architecture into a single suit capable of sustained life support systems.
This documentary will explore how Ted and Nik have pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be possible for space suits, as well as what inspired them to undertake such an ambitious project. It will also take viewers on an incredible journey as they follow the duo’s progress on their innovative endeavor. If you’re curious about how space exploration technology is advancing then you won’t want to miss this inspiring story!
