NASA says that the biggest improvement for Z-2 suit is its hard composite upper torso, which will offer the increased durability needed for Extravehicular Activity (EVA).

Luminex wire and light-emitting patches allow for easy identification of crew members.

For increased mobility, collapsing pleats enable the suit to fold, catering to an astronaut's activity.

There are also exposed rotating bearings and abrasion resistant panels along the torso of the suit to further improve wear, protection and mobility.

As mentioned, the testing phase -- which includes buoyancy trials -- is slated to begin this fall.

One of Time Magazine's Best Invention's of 2012, the Z-1 suit was the first to use 3D scans for sizing, a suit-port with a hard upper torso structure and, at the time, the most resizable space wear available.

[All images courtesy of NASA]