As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon in 2026, students at East Tipp Middle School engaged in a hands-on activity exploring the challenges of designing spacesuit equipment. In a workshop led by Purdue Women in Engineering, sixth graders explored how astronauts rely on creative problem-solving and careful engineering to complete tasks in space.

The first challenge asked students to build a 3D cube using plastic connector straws and joints while wearing oven mitts to simulate the restricted movement of an astronaut’s glove. Then, the students were given some basic household items and challenged to design their own glove that improved dexterity, while protecting astronauts from the harsh conditions of space. 

Student Hishanth Saravanakumar says his team added a felt base to make the glove more comfortable, foil around the outside to reflect sunlight, and tape to hold everything together. Despite their efforts, the glove still had too many holes to work in space. “We had so many holes and that in space will burn the astronaut because of the sun,” he says.

Even so, the activity deepened Hishanth's appreciation for astronauts and space engineering. “Maybe I will study engineering because that is what my dad is doing and maybe I will follow in his footsteps.”

Through the activity, students gained insight into the skill, creativity and problem-solving required to explore space and the challenges of keeping astronauts safe as NASA prepares for its historic 2026 lunar mission.