```
"Jim, is this exoskeleton active or passive?"
```
Robert asked Deputy Director Jim. Their primary concern for the Skylight II mission was still the Storm, with the second being the unheralded launch of the brand-new "Pioneer I" spacesuit.
Despite appearing only superficially different from conventional spacesuits, it was evidently more advanced by more than one generation. Its form-fitting design, hard external armor, and the very conspicuous flexible material covering the exoskeletal support stood out.
The concept of an exoskeleton wasn't entirely new. Last century, NACA and the military had researched active exoskeletons but halted due to the limitations of automation technology and servo motors. Therefore, the design philosophy and potential pros and cons of the "Pioneer I" model were easy to discern.
