The Zaitsev Type-O IVAS Suit is the first new generation spacesuit designed and put into service by the newly formed CCM.
History
In 2103 CE, following the commencement of Project Izkhod, an order came down on the scientific institutes from the Earth CNS. The instructions demanded that a new spacesuit be fashioned to represent Soyuz, to equip the first colonists reaching out towards Kitezh. While most institutes came up with various designs and prototypes of potential suits, there was one in particular that was favoured due to its impeccable durability and protective properties - one designed by the Anatoly Zaitsev Polytechnic Institute of Engineering and Material Science, located in Novosibirsk. At the time, this Zaitsev Type-O IVAS suit paid homage to the old Soviet variants by being vibrant orange, with black and white accents, as well as a distinct ringed helmet mount resting atop the shoulders. Originally on paper, the suit was supposed to have a large red star printed on the back, which would contain the name of its owner in white. This feature was scrapped, due to the similarity with the Walk of Fame in Hollywood; and refusal of Institute administration to allude to CCM citizens being walked on by Americans. After vigorous testing, said orange glittered around Soyuz spacecraft and orbital installations for the next 96 years, before the suit was put through a military upgrade in the wake of the Zhōngzhǐ. Anticipating an imminent anti-communist attack from the Zhùlǐ, the Zaitsev Type-O IVAS received padding with domestically produced kevlar and surface carbon fiber shielding. The threat never materialized, but the armour remained. At this stage, the division between a military and civilian IVAS was clear enough to separate into different models of various colouration. The Zaitsev Type-O IVAS was in official use until the 2260s, being replaced by the newer Type-E and Type-K versions. Due to surplus of the suits still being significant, they were remodelled to be worn by humanoid droids operating within the CCM sphere of influence. |