Scientists are working on a “happy suit” that could forever change space travel for the better, and make a long journey to a place like Mars much more possible and endurable for astronauts. Scientists hope that this suit will protect astronauts from the devastating psychological effects of space travel.

This “happy suit” would have a network of wireless sensors that would monitor the vitals of the wearer and then recalibrate the suit to suit his or her needs in real time. That could involve adjusting the temperature, changing light intensity, and even adjusting the oxygen levels.

The research is being funded by a grant from the Florida Space Research Program at NASA. It is being called “Smart Sensory Skin,” or S3, and it could be used in both astronaut clothing or spacesuits. Additionally, it would allow doctors on Earth to monitor their vitals.

Astronauts’ mental health has been a big concern for NASA as it works toward a manned mission and possible colony on Mars. A journey to the Red Planet would take months to complete, forcing astronauts to live in virtual isolation in a cramped space for a very long time. NASA has conducted experiments here on Earth in isolated locations to see how astronauts could handle such situations, and it remains an ongoing concern with no easy answers.

“It’s vital for astronauts to be mentally healthy during missions and right now there’s no active, real-time solution to help them when they feel stressed or anxious,” said Dr. Sargolzaei, professor of Electrical Engineering.

“This technology would provide them with immediate relief to their state of mind,” Sargolzaei added.