NASA unveils the new next-gen space suit designs called Z-2s for future Mars missions and deep space exploration. NASA has called on netizens, and the public to participate by voting.  

The agency is urging the public to choose between, fashion and function. "We thought if we could get people's interest because they think something looks cool, maybe we can teach them a bit about science along the way," said Daniel Huot, a NASA spokesman, who explained about getting public involvement.

In the past, NASA has always used the classic white spacesuits, the New York Daily News reported. The white spacesuits were used for two reasons: firstly, the color deflected heat, as well as prevented astronauts from overheating; secondly, astronauts could be seen against the black backdrop of space.

NASA, along with the help of art students at Philadelphia University, came up with three innovative contenders. The CNET reported on the three designs, there is Option A, "Biomimicry;" Option B, "Technology;" and Option C, "Trends in Society." (click here to vote.)

Option A, or "Biomimicry" suit, has the quality of aquatic bioluminescent creatures found deep underground; and it is intended to reflect the qualities that protect some of the toughest creatures on Earth. The material has an almost "eel-like texture."  

Option B or the "Technology" suit is inspired by costumes of missions that marked the last of the space race. It also looks like it was inspired by Tron, the remake film, thanks to the idea of using luminex wire and light-emitting patches. These light emitting patches could help to identify members of the crew.  

And, Option C, or "Trends in Society," is based on futuristic fashion; it features electroluminescent wire, a bright color scheme to mimic sportswear, and an emerging world of technologies. It is for the astronaut who wants to breathe on alien worlds, and look good while doing so. It also features contrast stitching and water droplet-like patches.

As of now, the "Technology" suit is leading by a wide margin of the votes, while the "Trends in Society" suit is the least favorite option.

The Z-2 suit is expected to be built with a hard upper torso, and it will be tested in a vacuum chamber to see how it would react to space-like environments. NASA is using 3D human laser scans, and 3D printing during the development process.

NASA expects the prototype Z-2 suits to be built by as early as November, and that they should be worn on missions to Mars by the year 2030.