Power Generating Spacesuits

Maggie McKee writes "Piezoelectric sensors could help power future space missions. Astronauts' spacesuits may one day be covered in motion-sensitive proteins that could generate power from the astronauts' movement, according to futuristic research being conducted by a new lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. Such 'power skins' could also be used to coat future human bases on Mars, where they could produce energy from the Martian wind. Eventually, the biologically derived suits might even be able to heal themselves."

"wind power", if you know what I mean...

[President_Camacho]

Astronauts' spacesuits may one day be covered in motion-sensitive proteins that could generate power from the astronauts' movement ... Such 'power skins' could also be used to coat future human bases on Mars, where they could produce energy from the Martian wind.

But what about producting power from the Astronauts' wind?

Re:Wouldn't this make it harder to move?

[Jeff Molby]

Of course it would add resistance. Since we don't want their muscles atrophy, I would imagine the resistance is seen as a feature rather than a bug.

Brilliant Idea

[physicsboy500]

Astronauts covered in proteins! that sounds like it could be a new pay website!

could may might

[Anonymous Coward]

"...Could ...may ... could .... could ... could .... might...."

Every geek on /. could get laid this year, and womankind may decide that brilliance could be a more important attribute than charisma. We could end up seeing a world that could be different than it is. This might happen anytime now.

T-1000

[SeaFox]

Eventually, the biologically derived suits might even be able to heal themselves.

Allowing them to continue their pursuit of John Connor despite multiple shotgun hits.

Re:Great, but ask the astronauts first...

[gardyloo]

Pfft. Lack of vision. Just put some motors at the suits' joints. Problem solved, right?

    Plus, that'd be kick-ass great for loading ships and fighting the occasional alien queen.

Re:Great, but ask the astronauts first...

[Brian Gordon]

Narrowminded. Just tie the motors right into the generators. Problem solved.

Sheridan must be told!

[mikearthur]

Biological coating for structures on Mars?
Someone call Sheridan before they kill us all!

(Maybe too obscure...)