How Bubble Muscles Could Help Astronauts Get Their Space Legs

When astronauts finally reach Mars, they'll face a unique challenge: walking and working in gravity that's only 37% as strong as Earth's. After spending months in the weightlessness of space, their weakened muscles and bones will struggle to cope with even this reduced gravity. Now, researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a promising solution; a soft, wearable exosuit powered by inflatable "bubble muscles."

Jun 13, 2025 - 13:00

How Bubble Muscles Could Help Astronauts Get Their Space Legs

Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the Moon wearing a conventional, bulky space suit. Researchers have now developed a next-generation space suit using inflatable bubble muscles! (Credit: NASA)

When astronauts finally reach Mars, they'll face a unique challenge: walking and working in gravity that's only 37% as strong as Earth's. After spending months in the weightlessness of space, their weakened muscles and bones will struggle to cope with even this reduced gravity. Now, researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a promising solution; a soft, wearable exosuit powered by inflatable "bubble muscles."