Quote:
Originally Posted by whswhs
That seems almost absurdly cheap. The TL7 suit in the Basic Set is $2 million (which is apparently less expensive than real space suits have been!) and the TL9 ones based on mechanical compression are around $10,000. I wonder what the difference in assumptions is?
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My guess is mass production vs. limited runs/prototypes, very mature technology, and generous assumptions regarding TL9 materials, miniaturization, and manufacturing tech.
The big deal would be a relatively cheap, highly-reliable multi-layered material which incorporates the best elements of Spandex (skin-tight and flexible), Aramid Fiber (damage resistance, Gore-Tex (breathability), and neoprene rubber (airtight seal), possibly with inherent "self-healing" capabilities which automatically close any micro-breaches in the material. Combine that with inherent temperature control systems for long-term comfort.
The whole thing might be a spin-off of military battlesuit, spacesuit, or walker R&D 1 or 2 generations before.