Spacesuits that astronauts wear
Astronauts pack two types of spacesuits on their wanderlust journeys to outer space.
The first type, a pressure suit, is worn inside the spaceship, during lift-off, and when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. The pressure suits protect astronauts in the case of depressurisation emergencies and any other accidents that may occur at the time of lift-off or landing. Other than that, these suits do not include an oxygen supply tank or any additional padding to shield against cosmic radiation, meaning that they cannot help one survive in open space. At most, the pressure suits will prevent the lungs from exploding and the body from inflating, but the lack of oxygen would still result in death within a minute or two.
The second type of spacesuit astronauts carry is called an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). This suit is worn during any extravehicular activities (spacewalks) and is thus built to protect astronauts against all the threats.
EMUs can be split into two main components — the pressure garment and the life support system.
The pressure garment is the actual human-shaped suit and consists of four different pieces, namely the upper and lower torso, the cooling garment, and the helmet.
A cooling garment is the first thing astronauts put on before heading out on their casual spacewalk. The garment is made of mesh spandex and has over 300 feet of tubing laced to it. Water of roughly 40-50°F continuously flows through the tubes to help dissipate body heat.
Next, the hard upper torso is composed of a lightweight fiberglass shell comprising multiple layers. A bladder layer of urethane-coated nylon sits at the bottom (over three layers of the cooling garment) and performs the essential task of regulating body pressure. he bladder layer is followed by a Dacron restraining layer and a tear-resistant nylon layer. The next five layers are made of Mylar to maintain body temperature, with the subsequent layers being waterproof & fireproof. The outermost white layer helps reflect sunlight and is composed of three different materials (Gomex, Kevlar, and Nomex).
Underneath all these layers, astronauts also wear a diaper for when nature comes calling. Gloves with heating tech help keep the fingers warm so that astronauts can retain dexterity.
The life support system, arms, helmet, display and control module, etc. are all mounted on the upper torso, while a safety tether is hooked to the D rings on the lower torso. A waist bearing allows astronauts to freely move and turn.
The space helmet is made of strong plastic and, similar to the suit, it helps provide a pressurised space. A gold-plated visor and sunshades shield astronauts from direct sunlight, and the ventilation system forwards oxygen from the life support system. Cameras and lights are mounted to the side of the helmet to record and assist in extravehicular activities. A snoopy cap consisting of headphones and microphones is used to communicate with fellow astronauts.
Regarding the life support system, it is a backpack full of essential goodies without which the spacesuit would just be a fancy dress outfit. The life support system houses the oxygen tanks, carbon dioxide removal filters, battery, pressure regulator, radio and other apparatus for communication, the water tank and pump, cooling system, fans for circulating oxygen, etc.
All the electrical and mechanical equipment in the LSS are controlled using a display and control module mounted on the chest area of the upper torso.
The pressure garment and life support system together serve as a ‘spacecraft for one’ and permit astronauts to conduct research on extraterrestrial land or perform essential repair work outside the ISS.
Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.
Click to follow Telangana Today Facebook page and Twitter .
