Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride at microphone addresses the participants in the 2009 Astronaut Glove Challenge.

Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, at microphone, addresses the participants in the 2009 Astronaut Glove Challenge, part of NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program, at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The nationwide competition focused on developing improved pressure suit gloves for astronauts to use while working in space. During the challenge, inventors tested the gloves to measure dexterity and strength during operation in a glove box which simulates the vacuum of space. Centennial Challenges is NASA’s program of technology prizes for the citizen-inventor. The winning prize for the Glove Challenge is $250,000 provided by the Centennial Challenges Program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett