After a short review of the European needs for EVAs (space Extra Vehicular Activities), the paper analyses the different requirements and constraints of a space station and of a space plane for the EVA aspects. The leading factors which affect the space suit design are presented and analysed at the light of the evolution of American and Soviet space suits. Among these factors, are: conflict of vehicle and suit pressure choices, protection against radiation, cost of EVA in terms of weight, volume and energy, interfaces with the carrier vehicle, maintainability and vulnerability.
From this analysis, two types of suits seem to emerge as optimal solutions. An evolutive approach is proposed in which a common hard upper torso fulfils the requirements of both the space station and the space plane. Modular items are used in accordance with the vehicle to service.
The geometrical concept is presented with CAE analysis of the donning procedure. The technology of the major suit components is shortly discussed.