The Mechanical Counter Pressure Suit (MCP) is an alternative space suit technology which has many superior
qualities to the gas-pressurisation technique that has been used unanimously
on all space flights to date.
An MCP suit would differs by exerting pressure on the body using form-fitting elastic garments.
Webb and Annis published the concept and early experiments of a MCP suit in 1967, and in 1971 described the
first demonstration that highlighted the many advantages of the MCP approach. MCP garments were found to
offer dramatic improvements to gas pressurised suits in reach, dexterity and tactility due to the replacement of
stiff joints and bearings with light, flexible elastics. Further advantages included safety (because a tear or hole
would remain a local defect rather than cause a catastrophic puncture), lower suit costs and vastly reduced
weight and volume. MIT conducted flexibility tests with basic MCP elastics during the mid 1980’s and found MCP gloves to be
measurably superior to gas-pressurised gloves.
The success of the original MCP suit, the considerable advances in textile technology for fibers,
yarns, textile creation and automated knitting machines, and the continued drawbacks of gas
pressurized EVA suits have prompted new interest in the development of a MCP glove and suit.
Honeywell (LA),
University of California, San Diego,
